The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on September 2, 2024, that two missiles launched by the Houthis had hit a cargo ship, although the name of the vessel has not been disclosed. According to Newsweek, the ship could be the Blue Lagoon I, a Panama-flagged oil tanker carrying Russian cargo from the port of Ust-Luga. No injuries have been reported among the crew, and the ship is continuing toward its destination. The Houthis have yet to officially claim responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, the oil tanker Sounion, struck by the Houthis on August 21 and subsequently abandoned by its crew, continues to burn while adrift. Despite Yemeni assurances that they would not hinder rescue operations—intended to prevent an ecological disaster if the oil cargo were to spill—the recovery efforts are moving slowly.
The two tugboats hired by the Greek shipowner Delta Tankers (Hercules and Gladiator) are approaching the vessel, but this is only the beginning. The shipowner and the salvage company still need to decide on the course of action: whether to transfer the oil to another vessel or tow the Sounion to a safe port.
Since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted over eighty ships with missiles and drones, seizing one vessel, sinking two, and killing four sailors. The Yemenis still control the car carrier Galaxy Leader, seized on November 19, 2023, which is anchored at the port of Hodeidah.
