Tanker Reports Explosion in Southern Red Sea as UKMTO Warns Ships to Stay Alert

LONDON, Jul 28: A tanker reported hearing an explosion while sailing through the southern Red Sea, prompting a maritime security alert, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday.

According to UKMTO, the vessel’s master reported the incident through the ship’s company security officer after hearing the explosion during transit. The agency confirmed that the crew and vessel were safe, with no environmental damage reported.

UKMTO advised ships operating in the area to remain cautious and immediately report any suspicious activity. The agency did not identify the tanker involved or attribute responsibility for the incident.

The report came hours after Yemen’s Houthi group claimed it had targeted the Saudi oil tanker NCC GHAZAL with ballistic missiles, forcing the vessel to turn back. The group did not provide details on the location of the alleged attack, and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities.

The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in the Red Sea, a key global shipping route that has faced repeated attacks and threats in recent months.