Missile Attack on Tanker Daisy in Gulf of Aden; Houthis Claim Responsibility

Houthi forces have claimed to target the Saudi-linked tanker Daisy while it was passing through the Gulf of Aden, for enforcing their blockade against Saudi Arabia. The claims have been only partially corroborated by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Vessel DAISY, image credit: Bambang Pujiono

The Houthis claimed the vessel was targeted by a ballistic missile on 5 August, causing damage and forcing the vessel to reverse course.

According to UKMTO, the captain of the vessel reported that, at around 95NM southeast of Aden, Yemen, the vessel heard a loud explosion in proximity to the vessel. The crew were reported safe, and no pollution was observed. The agency did not confirm that the vessel had sustained any damage.

Including the attack on the NCC Wafa off the coast of Yanbu, the Daisy is the second vessel to be targeted by the Houthis in the last 24 hours.

Daisy is a 2009-built Oil/Chemical tanker and is sailing under the flag of Dominica. The vessel measures 101.39 meters in length and 19.05 meters in width.