Survivors say Houthi missile struck merchant vessel

Crew members said a second missile struck a Yemeni commercial vessel during rescue efforts earlier this week, deepening casualties and heightening shipping-security concerns in the Red Sea.

Second strike during rescue

Survivors said the initial hit forced crew and nearby rescuers to move to the scene when a second weapon struck, compounding damage and chaos on board. They described multiple casualties but did not provide a full tally.

Officials said the vessel was operating off Yemen in international waters. Survivors attributed the attack to Houthi rebels, saying the second strike occurred as rescue teams reached the ship; that attribution comes from those on board rather than an independent investigator.

Maritime security analysts said repeated strikes against commercial traffic increase the risk that insurers will raise premiums and that some carriers may divert around high-risk corridors, lengthening voyages and adding transport costs for energy and other commodities.

If attacks continue through August 20, analysts said carriers could reroute or suspend some Red Sea transits and insurers may reassess premiums, with knock-on effects on delivery times and freight costs for shippers.