The Marlin Luanda, a tanker operated by the company reported by Trafigura and cited by TASS, was targeted in the Red Sea during an attack attributed to the Houthis. The fire on the vessel has been fully extinguished, and the ship has resumed its course toward a safe port under the watchful eyes of the crew.
The operators confirmed that all crew members are unharmed and that the cargo tank fire has been completely put out. The crew remains vigilant, continuously assessing the ship and its payload as it heads to secure waters. This update comes with assurances from the operator about ongoing safety measures and monitoring, ensuring that the ship’s stability and cargo integrity are prioritized during this critical phase [citation: Trafigura / TASS].
According to the company, naval assets from India, the United States, and France assisted the Marlin Luanda in the aftermath of the attack. Their presence underscores the international cooperation that often accompanies commercial shipping through high-risk corridors, and it highlights the combined effort to maintain maritime safety and secure navigation in the Red Sea region [citation: Trafigura / TASS].
Investigation notes indicate that the Houthis launched a missile at night on January 27, about 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden, targeting the British-flagged product tanker Marlin Luanda. A fire erupted on the vessel as a result of the strike, prompting emergency responses from nearby ships and naval forces. The incident underscores the persistent threat faced by merchant traffic transiting this corridor and the need for rapid damage control and coordinated rescue operations [citation: Trafigura / TASS].
In the same stretch of water, the Red Sea experienced renewed fire following the bombardment on Trafigura’s tanker carrying Russian fuel. The incident illustrates the broader volatility in the region and the potential impact on energy movements, given the tanker’s cargo and its role in global supply chains [citation: Trafigura / TASS].
Amid ongoing conflict dynamics in the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthi forces have intensified attacks on commercial and military vessels passing through the Red Sea since early October 2023. Unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles have been employed in these operations, affecting both security considerations and insurance risk assessments for vessels navigating the corridor [citation: Trafigura / TASS].
Houthis have stated targeted tactics, directing operations at vessels that call at Israeli ports or hold owners with relations to Israel. While their stated aim is aimed at certain targets, the practical consequence has been a measurable disruption of international shipping through this critical lane, prompting increased naval presence and protective measures across merchant routes [citation: Trafigura / TASS].
Earlier warnings indicated that the Houthis planned to attack commercial ships in the Red Sea at regular intervals, signaling a strategy intended to raise the cost and risk of navigation through the area. The evolving security situation continues to drive discussions among shipping companies, insurers, and state actors about best practices for risk management, route planning, and contingency operations in high-risk maritime zones [citation: Trafigura / TASS].