Liberia issues security alert: missile attack in Red Sea

Liberia Maritime Authority has issued Marine Security Bulletin 16/2024 regarding the missile attack in the Red Sea.

On June 12, a commercial vessel was attacked near Hodeida, Yemen, in the Southern Red Sea while en route to Kandla, India. The vessel was hit by an uncrewed surface vessel on the port side near the engine room, followed by an unmanned aerial vehicle strike on the starboard side. The attack caused flooding in the engine room, a loss of power, and one crew member went missing. There were no reports of pollution, fire, or additional casualties. The vessel remains afloat and the crew is managing the situation.

In response, Liberian-flagged vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea are advised to raise their security level to 3, avoid Yemeni ports, and follow security protocols, including reporting to UKMTO and registering with the Maritime Security Centre for the Horn of Africa (MSCHOA). Vessels should implement Best Management Practices (BMP5) to assess and mitigate risks. When outside high-risk areas, vessels should maintain security level II and report any changes to the Flag Administration.

The bulletin also recommends that vessels consider using Private Maritime Security Companies for additional protection. For emergencies and security incidents, contact details for relevant authorities and organizations such as NAVCENT, MSCHOA, and UKMTO are provided.

Vessels are encouraged to carry out pre-voyage threat assessments and keep the Liberian Security Department informed of any security incidents.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):