In a statement to Danish media Shipping Watch, container carrier Maersk revealed that two of its container ships were subject of an attack near the Red Sea Wednesday evening.

"While enroute, both ships reported seeing explosions close by and the US Navy accompaniment also intercepted multiple projectiles," Maersk told Shipping Watch.

Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake were heading towards Bab el-Mandeb Strait escorted by US Navy, said the report.

Both ships are operated by a US subsidiary of the container liner and are carrying cargo for the US government.

The exact position of the vessels cannot be confirmed at the moment, as ships in the risk area tend to turn off their AIS data to avoid detection.

However, Maersk confirmed that "the crew, ship, and cargo are safe and unharmed."

"The US Navy has turned both ships around and is escorting them back to the Gulf of Aden," said Maersk.