Bulker Tutor Sinks in Red Sea, Second Vessel Lost to Houthi Attacks

19th June 2024

Report : Tutor, bulker hit by Houthis, sinks in Red Sea

The Greek bulker vessel Tutor, believed to be carrying 80,000 tonnes of coal, is confirmed to have sunk in the Red Sea off the coast of Eritrea. This marks the second commercial ship lost to attacks by the Houthi rebels in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the crucial waterway.

The Tutor, a relatively new vessel built in 2022 with a deadweight tonnage of 82,357, was first struck by a suspected Houthi drone boat on June 12th. The attack caused a significant explosion and flooded the engine room, disabling the ship. U.S. and French forces evacuated the crew last Friday, but warnings were issued about the ongoing flooding and the potential for the vessel to sink.

Debris and oil slicks have now been reported in the area where the Tutor was last located, leading maritime trade organizations in the UK to confirm the ship’s demise. The sinking follows a similar incident in March, where the bulker Rubymar was struck by a Houthi missile and eventually sank after drifting for nearly two weeks.

The Houthis, a rebel group controlling large parts of Yemen, have been engaged in a long-running civil war against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The group has recently intensified attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a critical route for global trade, particularly for oil tankers transporting crude oil from the Middle East.

The Houthi rebels have justified their attacks by accusing targeted vessels of carrying military supplies for the Saudi-led coalition or making port calls in Israel. These accusations have not been independently verified. The recent attacks have heightened tensions in the region and raised concerns about the security of vital shipping lanes.

Also Read : Merchant Vessel in Distress After Missile Attack off Yemen’s Coast

The sinking of the Tutor also raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures to protect maritime traffic in the Red Sea. While international naval forces, including those from the US and France, patrol the area, the recent incidents demonstrate the Houthis’ capability to disrupt commercial shipping.

The international community is likely to call for a stronger response to these attacks. This could involve increased naval patrols, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen, and potential sanctions against the Houthi rebels.

The Tutor incident also brings to light the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. One Filipino seafarer is reported missing and presumed dead after being trapped in the engine room during the attack. This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by merchant mariners caught in the crossfire of a complex geopolitical situation.

Conclusion

The sinking of the bulker Tutor marks a significant escalation in Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This incident underscores the need for a robust international response to ensure the safety and security of maritime traffic in this crucial waterway. Furthermore, the human cost of the conflict in Yemen demands immediate action to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing civil war.

Also Read : EU Naval Forces Thwart Pirate Attack, Capture Suspects in Gulf of Aden