Cargo ship reports being attacked in the Red Sea, maritime agency says

Published on 05/07/2026 - 11:57 GMT+2•Updated

12:39

A cargo ship reported coming under attack in the Red Sea on Sunday, a British maritime agency announced.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) said the vessel sent a distress signal saying they had been attacked by "unknown armed assailants" off the coast of al-Hudaydah, a major port city in Yemen.

UKMTO said authorities were investigating the incident.

"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," it added.

The attack has so far not been claimed by any group.

The Houthi rebels, which control the Red Sea, began launching strikes against shipping in the region in 2023, although they have since paused. The US State Department has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organisation.

This is a developing story, please check back for more details.