Tanker Amzan Catches Fire Following Houthi Attack in Red Sea

The Saudi Arabia-flagged crude oil tanker Amzan caught fire after being attacked by Houthi off Saudi Arabia's port city of Yanbu in the Red Sea on 24 August. All crew were safe with no injuries reported.

Vessel AMZAN, image credit:Piet Sinke

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the incident occurred at around 06:37 UTC about 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, when the tanker was struck by an unknown projectile. The impact triggered a fire on the vessel's main deck, but the crew remained safe, and no pollution was observed.

Vessel owner Bahri confirmed the attack, stating that it remained in contact with the tanker and was closely coordinating with the relevant authorities while monitoring the situation.

Following the incident, the Houthis' spokesperson, Yahya Saree, in a television speech claimed to have attacked the tanker as part of the ongoing naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Amzan is a 2004-built tanker that measured 333 meters in length and 60 meters in width. The incident occurred while the vessel was en route from Ain Sukhna Port, Egypt.