In a recent development in the Red Sea region, the tanker Marlin Luanda, operated by Oceonix Services Ltd, experienced a devastating fire after being hit by a ballistic missile. Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack, which highlights the escalating tensions in the area.

The French Joint Forces Command for the Indian Ocean, known as ALINDIEN, confirmed that the Marlin Luanda, flying the Marshall Islands flag, fell victim to a missile attack from Yemen on the night of January 26. The attack initiated a fierce fire onboard the vessel.

The French Navy's multi-mission frigate Alsace, which was patrolling approximately one hundred kilometers away, swiftly responded to the distress call and provided immediate assistance to the tanker. The American frigate USS Carney also joined the effort to support the Maritime operation. Later, they were joined by the Indian frigate Visakhapatnam, forming a multinational coalition to battle the flames.

Throughout the night and into the morning of January 27, the French, US, and Indian naval ships tirelessly supported the crew of the Marlin Luanda, providing them with large quantities of high-efficiency foam concentrate to combat the oil fire. After 20 hours of intense firefighting, the flames were finally brought under control, bringing relief to all involved.

The crew, comprised of Indian and Sri Lankan sailors, were reported to be safe and unharmed following the incident. The prompt and coordinated response by the multinational forces contributed to the successful containment of the fire and the safe evacuation of the crew.

The attack on the Marlin Luanda is the latest assault on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthis. This incident underscores the importance of maritime security as well as the preservation of freedom of navigation in the region. The presence of the French, US, and Indian navies in this operation demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety of vessels in the face of threats posed by the Houthi rebels.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed that on January 26, at approximately 7:45 p.m., the Houthi terrorists fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from their controlled areas in Yemen, striking the Marlin Luanda. Responding swiftly, USS Carney and other coalition ships immediately provided assistance to the distressed tanker. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the time.

Additionally, on January 27, at approximately 3:45 a.m., US Central Command Forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that posed imminent threats to merchant vessels and US Navy ships. This action was a self-defense measure taken to safeguard freedom of navigation and enhance the safety of international waters for both US Navy and merchant vessels.

As the investigations into the Houthi attack on the Marlin Luanda continue, the international community remains vigilant in countering such provocations and ensuring the security of maritime operations in the strategically vital Red Sea region.