Second Attack on Maersk Hangzhou Ship Reported by CENTCOM
The container ship Maersk Hangzhou has been the target of two separate attacks in less than 24 hours, according to a statement from CENTCOM. The ship reported that it was attacked by four small Iranian-backed Houthi boats, with the attackers opening fire and attempting to board the vessel. Fortunately, a contracted security team on board the Maersk Hangzhou was able to return fire, and US helicopters from USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely responded to the distress call.
During the response, the Houthi boats opened fire on the US helicopters, prompting a self-defense response from the US Navy helicopters. As a result, three of the four small boats were sunk, and their crews were killed. The fourth boat was able to escape the area, but there was no harm to US personnel or equipment.
In a further development, CENTCOM announced that Maersk Hangzhou was hit by a missile while passing through the southern Red Sea. USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the ship’s request for assistance, and it was reported that the ship remained navigable and there were no injuries. In response to the attack, USS Gravely was able to shoot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired towards the ships from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
“This is the 23rd illegal attack on international shipping by the Houthis since November 19,” the statement from CENTCOM read.
The attacks on Maersk Hangzhou highlight the ongoing threat to international shipping in the region and the need for continued vigilance and defensive measures to protect vessels and their crews.
