UPDATED: US-owned ship reports missile attack off Yemen, sources say

Feb 19 (Reuters) – A Greece-flagged, U.S.-owned cargo ship reported two missile attacks on Monday in the Gulf of Aden and called for military assistance, Greek shipping ministry sources and British maritime security firm Ambrey said.

Separately, Britain’s maritime agency (UKMTO) said it had received a report from a vessel located 100 miles east of Yemen’s port of Aden indicating an explosion close to it.

The Sea Champion, with 23 crew members, was sailing from Argentina to Aden carrying grain when it was attacked, Greek shipping ministry sources told Reuters. There were two attempted attacks with missiles which exploded 10-15 metres from the ship, damaging a window, the sources added.

Both Ambrey and UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) said the vessel and its crew – including five Greek members – were safe and proceeding to the next port of call.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces have carried out drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November in what they say is support for Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.