25 June 2024 (Lloyd's List) - ANOTHER vessel has been targeted by missiles in the Red Sea, as the Houthis continue to step up their campaign against shipping.

Liberia-flagged, 2000-built, 4,400 teu containership MSC Sarah V (IMO: 9181675) reported a missile landing approximately 50 metres off the starboard side, the Joint Maritime Information Centre said.

MSC Sarah V is operated and beneficially owned by Mediterranean Shipping Co.

The incident took place 265 nautical miles southeast of Nishtun, Yemen, at 0444 hrs on June 24. MSC Sarah V was en route to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from Cristobal, Panama when the incident occurred.

The attack is the third in two days, after one tanker was abandoned after being hit off Nishtun and bulk carrier Transworld Navigator (IMO: 9469924) was struck by a drone boat in the Red Sea.

Iran-backed rebel group the Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but its location falls within the group’s known area of operation.

JMIC said the vessel was “likely” attacked due to an MSC’s perceived Israeli affiliation.

The Houthis have previously told Lloyd’s List that MSC’s vessel were being targeted “because of [MSC’s] ownership, as one of the company’s owners holds Israeli citizenship”. 

At least 12 MSC vessels have been targeted by the Houthis, making them the most targeted shipowner still operating in the region.