Aden, Yemen – A cargo vessel, the True Confidence, faced a devastating missile attack off the coast of Yemen, sparking chaos among the crew. Reports indicate that some crew members have abandoned ship, while others remain unaccounted for following the incident in the Gulf of Aden. The ship was left drifting with a fire onboard after the attack at approximately 09:30 GMT, as confirmed by the vessel’s manager.
The maritime security firm Ambrey revealed that the True Confidence, registered under the flag of Barbados, was targeted by an unknown assailant. Sources suggest that the attack may have resulted in casualties, although specific details on the crew’s status remain unclear. The Houthi movement in Yemen, known for previous attacks on shipping vessels, has yet to comment on the incident.
Prior to the missile strike, the True Confidence reportedly received warnings from a group identifying itself as the “Yemeni navy” to alter its course. Shortly after, nearby vessels reported a significant explosion and smoke emanating from the vessel. The attack unfolded approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Aden, leading to the vessel’s abandonment and loss of control, as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.
Rescue efforts are underway, with some crew members taking refuge in lifeboats as naval ships mobilize to provide assistance. The True Confidence, owned by True Confidence Shipping SA, holds a crew of 20 individuals, consisting of various nationalities including Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Sri Lankan, and Nepalese. The vessel, en route from China to Saudi Arabia, was transporting steel products and trucks when the attack occurred.
In a separate incident, the Belize-flagged cargo ship, Rubymar, met a similar fate in the Red Sea after being targeted by Houthi missiles. The vessel, laden with ammonium nitrate fertilizer, posed an environmental risk as it began to sink. US and British forces have intensified efforts to counter Houthi aggression, targeting their weapons and infrastructure in western Yemen in response to the escalating attacks on merchant ships passing through the region.