Red Sea rescue operation underway for cargo vessel's crew

A rescue operation is under way for the crew of a Panama-flagged cargo vessel that was abandoned in the Red Sea off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, three maritime security sources said on Thursday. The reason for the incident remained unclear and the number of crew on board was not known, said Reuters.

The crew were forced to abandon the vessel, which is said to have had engine problems. According to one source, there was an explosion on board the ship.

Houthi forces have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen since November 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. It was not clear if the latest shipping incident was linked to Houthi activity.