Update: Missile Strike Ruptured Turkish Bulker’s Hull

Turkish bulk carrier Ince Inebolu, which was damaged by an explosion earlier in May, was struck by a missile launched by a Houthi militia from Hodeidah port, Saudi-led Coalition spokesperson said on Monday.

According to Col. Turki Al-Maliki, cited by Arab News, the rocket was launched from another vessel sailing four nautical miles away from the anchored bulker.

The bulk carrier was carrying wheat to Yemen’s port of Saleef when it suffered the explosion, which ruptured the aft side of the ship’s hull. There were no injuries reported to the crew members on board the vessel.

As the vessel was unable to resume its voyage, it was towed to the port of Jizan in Saudi Arabia, where it was further inspected by the coalition forces.

There were different interpretations of the incident, with Yemen’s Ministry of Transport, blaming the Saudi-led coalition for the attack.

Houthi forces seem to be determined in targeting ships in the area.

Earlier today Reuters reported that two Houthi boats threatening an oil tanker in the Red Sea had been destroyed by the coalition forces. Details on the ship and potential damage have not been reported.

World Maritime News Staff; Image Courtesy: Yemen Red Sea Ports Corporation