Ship Attacked by Yemen's Houthi Rebels in Fatal Assault Sinks in Red Sea in Second-Such Sinking

The bulk carrier Tutor sank in the Red Sea following a Houthi rebel attack, highlighting an escalation in their campaign against maritime traffic amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

A bulk carrier named Tutor sank in the Red Sea days after an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which is believed to have killed one mariner on board. This incident marks the second vessel sunk in the ongoing rebel campaign targeting shipping in the vital maritime corridor.

The attack on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated Tutor involved a bomb-carrying drone boat launched by the Houthi rebels. The vessel was hit in its stern, causing severe flooding and damage to the engine room. The captain reported that the ship was taking on water and was not under command. A second strike by an airborne projectile compounded the damage, leading to the vessel's eventual sinking.

The incident represents a significant escalation in the Houthis' campaign, which has seen over 50 attacks on shipping since November. The rebels claim their attacks are meant to stop the Israel-Hamas war, though many targeted ships have no connection to the conflict.

The U.S. Navy, conducting its most intense maritime operations in the region since World War II, has faced near-daily attacks. Despite a U.S.-led airstrike campaign aimed at neutralizing the Houthi threat, the attacks continue. This campaign included strikes on Houthi anti-ship missile launchers and drones.

In response to the attack on Tutor, military authorities have sighted maritime debris and oil in the last reported location of the vessel. Efforts are ongoing to manage the environmental impact and salvage operations

The war in Gaza, which began after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, has intensified the conflict in the region. Over 37,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, and the conflict has had broader repercussions, including increased threats to maritime traffic in the Red Sea