Greek-owned vessel Merinos Livestock was attacked off the coast of Yemen by armed individuals in a boat, according to maritime security sources. The incident occurred 35 nautical miles from Hodeidah, while the vessel was en route to Jeddah.
The 49-year-old livestock carrier Merinos Livestock, flagged under the Comoros, was approached today by a wooden boat while sailing approximately 35 nautical miles southwest of the coast of Yemen’s Hodeidah, according to maritime security specialist Vanguard Tech.
The captain reported that the small craft opened fire and ordered them to proceed toward Mocha.
The vessel made a 180-degree turn and appears to be heading toward Mocha. The ship, previously named Bossaso, had declared Jeddah as its destination and planned to pass east of the Hanish Islands outside the established safe maritime corridor, which may have been the reason for the attack.
Like the two cargo vessels Magic Seas and Eternity C, which were attacked by the Houthis earlier this month, the Merinos Livestock is also under Greek management.
Human Rights Watch stated yesterday that the deadly attacks on the two bulk carrier vessels constitute a violation of the laws of war and amount to war crimes.
“Commanders who knowingly order or carry out these unlawful attacks, mistreat detainees, or are responsible under command responsibility, are accountable for war crimes,” the NGO said in a statement.
