Maritime Security Incident Overview: M/V Strinda

The M/V Strinda, a Norwegian-owned chemical tanker, became the latest target of regional hostilities in a maritime incident that highlights the escalating risks in strategic sea lanes. 

Incident Overview: M/V Strinda

Date of Incident: December 11, 2023

Time of Incident: 2100 UTC

A Norwegian-owned chemical tanker, M/V Strinda, operated by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers AS was struck by a missile approximately 60 miles north of the Bab-el Mandab Strait and 15 nautical miles west of Port Mokha, Yemen. This attack resulted in a fire on board, which has since been extinguished. The vessel is now heading to a safe port. There are no reported casualties. There are reports that the vessel was enroute to Italy, however the Ashdod Port website had the vessel on their arrivals list. The owners, Mowinckel Chemical Tankers stated in a press release that the vessel was heading to Italy and then had a contract to pick up cargo in the Port of Ashdod, however the owners did have an option to cancel the contract. Currently the Ashdod port website is down.

The USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer along with a French military vessel, responded to the distress call. The missile was reportedly fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the vessel was targeted as it was allegedly transporting oil to Israel. There were also reports of jets and explosions near the Houthi held area on shore near Al Hawban, however this activity has not been confirmed.

Context and Implications

This incident underscores the persistent threat to shipping in the southern Red Sea, particularly near the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait. This narrow chokepoint, flanked by Yemen, Djibouti, and Eritrea, is crucial for global shipping and trade, with approximately $1 trillion worth of trade passing through annually. Such attacks pose not only a regional geopolitical risk but a significant global economic threat. Late last week the Houthi’s expanded their threats to include all vessels transiting to and from Israeli ports.

Advisory

All vessels operating in or transiting through the vicinity of the Bab el Mandab Strait are advised to exercise heightened caution. The Houthi’s are also attempting to contact ships via VHF Channel 16 and advising them to change course, which happened in this incident. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) along with allied Naval forces on VHF Channel 16. The situation in the region remains volatile, and adherence to recommended security protocols is essential for safe passage.

Recent Trends

This incident marks the second involvement of the USS Mason in similar events in the region within a two-week period, indicating an escalating pattern of missile attacks from Yemen.