A Panamanian-flagged tanker named M/T Pollux bound for India was hit by a missile in the Red Sea, revealed the US State Department on Friday (Feb 16). The missile, believed to have been launched from Yemen, struck the vessel on its port side as it was sailing approximately 72 nautical miles (133 km) northwest of the port of Mokha, off Yemen.

Reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed that the M/T Pollux sustained minor damage from the attack. Thankfully, the crew onboard the tanker were reported to be safe and unharmed.

Owned by Oceanfront Maritime Co SA and managed by Sea Trade Marine SA, the M/T Pollux embarked on its journey from Russia's Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on January 24, carrying crude oil destined for the port of Paradip in India. The tanker was scheduled to discharge its cargo at the Indian Oil Company's refinery in Paradip on February 28, which has a refining capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Amidst condemnation from the US State Department for the lawless assault on international shipping, Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for the attack. The rebels have expressed their intention to continue targeting ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians, raising concerns about global commerce disruptions and potential escalation of maritime security threats in the region.