UK cargo ship ‘under attack’ near Yemen

The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations said it had received a report of an incident

A UK-registered cargo ship has come under attack off the coast of Yemen, according to reports.

The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations, which helps combat piracy, said it had received a report of an incident 35 nautical miles south of Al Mukha in Yemen, at the southern end of the Red Sea.

It said: “Authorities are investigating. Vessales are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.”

Sky News, citing private security firm Ambrey, said that the ship was a UK-registered vessel and had come “under attack” in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The ship is believed to Belize-flagged, Lebanese-operated and UK registered.

HMS Diamond in the Red Sea (LPhot Chris Sellars/MoD/Crown Copyright) (PA Media)

The UK and the US have carried out joint airstrikes against Houthi rebels in recent weeks in order to stop attacks on commercial shipping.

Since November, the Iran-backed rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

They have often targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperilling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Middle East and Europe.