By Ezekiel David
A fire broke out in the Red Sea on Thursday, raising concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the region.
British security firm Ambrey reported the incident, stating that the fire was spotted approximately 58 nautical miles southwest of Salif, Yemen.
A nearby vessel saw smoke coming from the sea, according to Ambrey, indicating a potential link to the sinking of an unmanned surface vehicle. Ambrey stated that “Hostile manned, and unmanned craft, have been operating in the vicinity,” even if the precise cause of the fire is yet unknown.
The incident occurs at a time when Red Sea tensions are at an all-time high due to the current war between Israel and Hamas. Foreign ships in the area have been the target of Houthi militants in Yemen since November. The militants have sided with Iran. The goal of these assaults is to show support for the Palestinian people.
In response to the escalating security risks, shipowners are increasingly opting for alternative routes to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Many vessels are now being rerouted around the southern tip of Africa, a significantly longer journey that translates to increased costs and extended delivery times.
(Source: Reuters)