Yemeni Ship Rescue Hit by Second Missile, Officials Say

Crew members from a Yemeni merchant vessel attacked earlier this week said a second missile struck the ship as rescuers approached, officials said. They said the later impact came while survivors were being pulled from the water, adding to casualties and intensifying disorder around the scene.

Officials said several crewmembers described the moments after the first strike as chaotic, with fire reported on board and survivors entering the sea. The same accounts said the renewed blast complicated efforts to stabilize the situation and assist those already evacuating.

Second impact reported as rescue boats moved in Second impact reported as rescue boats moved in

According to officials, multiple crewmembers reported that rescue boats were hit during the second blast. Officials said the renewed explosions and confusion also left some sailors injured after they had already abandoned the vessel. Yemeni authorities said three ballistic projectiles were involved in the incident. They said medical teams evacuated wounded sailors, but added that a nationwide tally of deaths and injuries was not available at the time of the briefing. Port operations disrupted while details remain limited Officials said port traffic in the area was reported disrupted as coastguard and rescue services mobilised to respond. They did not specify how long operations were affected or the extent of any delays, saying updates would be provided as operational information becomes available.

Officials also cautioned that any assessment of broader trade effects remains preliminary while the immediate response continues and more verified information is gathered. They said the priority remained rescue and medical support for the affected crew.

Investigation continues amid monitoring of Red Sea routes

Authorities said an investigation is under way and Authorities said an investigation is under way and that further operational updates are expected in the coming days. Officials did not provide attribution for the attack or a timeline for the inquiry, and stressed that early accounts are still being assessed.

Officials said the incident is part of a series of strikes that has heightened attention on security along key corridors in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They added that naval and commercial operators are closely watching for near-term operational alerts as response efforts continue.

Analysts said attacks on commercial vessels can raise insurance costs and prompt shippers to reconsider routes. Officials said it is too soon to draw firm conclusions on wider trade disruption until the situation is clearer and verified information is available.