A Greek bulker has sprung a leak after a double attack by Houthi fighters and is in danger of sinking.
The Houthis operating from Yemen had attacked several ships in the Red Sea over the past few days, including the bulker belonging to the Greek shipping company Evalend, which at the time was said to have been about 68 nm southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah.
According to the British military command UKMTO and security companies, the “Tutor” (82,000 dwt, built in 2022), which flies the Liberian flag, was initially attacked with a drone, and in a second attack, a boat around 7 m long is said to have rammed the bulker and severely damaged the stern area.
Bulker drifting in the Red Sea
According to the UKMTO, the ship is unable to manoeuvre due to the damage and water ingress in the engine room and is dependent on tug assistance. The crew is said to no longer have control of the ship. Warships are currently securing the stricken vessel. No injuries have been reported.
As a result of repeated attacks by the Houthis on international shipping since October last year, the number of passages through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal has fallen to around 35 per day. Most ships avoid the crisis area and take a long detour around the South African Cape of Good Hope.
