The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed to have attacked a fourth Saudi-linked tanker, escalating the threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The attack on the NCC Ghazal tanker is the latest in a series of incidents that have disrupted shipping in the region.
The Houthis' military spokesman said the group targeted the tanker with multiple ballistic missiles after it allegedly violated the group's maritime navigation ban. The spokesman said the tanker was forced to retreat and return.
Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, said the NCC Ghazal was struck by anti-ship missiles while transiting the southern Red Sea and was forced to turn around. The incident is the fourth attack on a Saudi-linked tanker since the Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi ports.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported that the master of an unidentified tanker heard an explosion while transiting the southern Red Sea near Jizan, Saudi Arabia. The crew and vessel were safe, and no environmental damage was reported.
The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the Red Sea, with the Joint Maritime Information Center raising the threat level for the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb to substantial. The center assesses further attacks as a strong possibility.
Cover image: IPPA photographer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
