Cargo Ship Repels Armed Skiff Attack Off Yemen; Larger Vessel Nearby Had AIS Off

A cargo ship came under attack Sunday in the Red Sea 30 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen, but the vessel and crew were reported safe after security guards returned fire. A skiff approached the bulk carrier, opened fire, and withdrew after the ship's security guards returned fire.

The skiff sailed back to a larger vessel about 2 nautical miles away whose automatic identification system was switched off, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported.

Authorities are investigating the incident. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Hodeidah remains under Houthi control. The Houthis have threatened to resume attacks on ships but have not carried out any recently.

A Houthi spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. Suspected pirates attacked a separate vessel 76 nautical miles south of the port town of Balhaf in southeastern Yemen on July 1. Four armed men on a small craft caused minor damage to the ship's bridge.