Greek shipowner reports failed drone attack on tanker in Yemen

Athens-based shipping company Okeanis Eco Tankers has reported that one of its tankers is safe following a failed attack by explosives-laden drones while it was in Yemeni waters late last week.

The Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Nissos Kea had called for loading at the port of Ash Shihr in Yemen when there were two “drone-driven explosions” in close proximity to the ship in the afternoon (local time) of Friday, October 21.

Okeanis clarified that neither explosion impacted the vessel. All the crew are safe, there was no damage to the vessel, and no pollution has been detected.

Nissos Kea‘s master subsequently brought the tanker out of the port and into international waters.

Okeanis added that all necessary precautionary measures were duly taken beforehand and during the incident. The relevant authorities have also been kept closely informed, as required.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebel militia has claimed responsibility for the attack, adding that it was a warning directed at the Saudi-supported Yemeni government for the latter’s oil exportation activities.