Following the attack, videos and images have circulated showing how the ship was boarded by a helicopter and taken over by a group of heavily armed militants. The crew of 22 has been taken hostage, and the ship is reported to have been taken to Yemen’s port city of Hodeida.
The Houthi militia has claimed responsibility for the operation, asserting that the attack was targeted at Israel and Israeli interests.
The Security and Contingency Planning Department at the Norwegian Shipowners' Association and the Norwegian Maritime Authority strongly advise vessels operating in the area to stay continuously informed about developments, conduct thorough risk assessments, and adhere to existing notification procedures for shipping in the region.
Based on Houthi statements and their operational patterns, it is probable that the threat to shipping in the Bab el Mandeb and southern parts of the Red Sea primarily targets vessels associated with Israel. Nevertheless, it is important to note the risk of potential for flawed intelligence or imprecise targeting, which could, in the worst-case scenario, affect random vessels.
The maritime security level, MARSEC/ISPS level, in Yemeni territorial waters in the Red Sea remains unchanged and is set at level 2 (valid from 10 October 2023). Please note that the geographical area with an elevated security level also includes Saudi territorial waters extending from the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, northward to Jaza.
The NMA’s information about the SPS level for Norwegian-flagged ships can be found here:
Contact details:
Emergency number, Norwegian Maritime Authority: +47 52745000
Emergency number, Norwegian Shipowners' Association: +47 90095001
Emergency number, Norwegian Shipowner’s Mutual War Risk Insurance Association: +47 48111900
UKMTO, Indian Ocean Emergencies: +44 (0) 2392222060 / https://www.ukmto.org/indian-ocean/contacts