In a devastating incident in the Red Sea, a cargo ship called the Tutor sank on June 12 after being attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels, according to a notice issued by the U.K. military's Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO). This marks the second deadly attack on international shipping by the Houthis. The ship, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, became the latest casualty in a series of Houthi attacks that have plagued the vital shipping corridors of the Red Sea and surrounding waters since November.

Tragically, it is believed that one mariner lost their life in the attack on the Tutor. This comes after another British-owned vessel was struck by a missile in early March, although no fatalities were reported. The first attack did, however, result in the severing of several undersea communications cables.

The UKMTO warning stated that the Tutor was targeted on its stern by a small white craft, approximately six yards long. Shortly after, the carrier began taking on water and was subsequently hit by an unknown airborne projectile. Maritime debris and oil were discovered at the vessel's last-known location, indicating that the ship had sunk.

The United States Navy played a critical role in the aftermath of the attack, assisting in the evacuation of the crew from the sinking ship. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group reported that the attack caused significant damage and flooding to the Tutor's engine room, and sadly, one mariner remains missing.

With Houthi attacks on commercial vessels persisting since November, the region has witnessed a continuous threat to shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. These attacks have been attributed by the Houthis as a response to the Israel-Hamas war, with the Yemeni rebel group enjoying support from Iran, similar to Hamas.

The United States has accused Iran of being deeply involved in the attacks on Red Sea shipping, echoing its concerns about Iran's regional influence. Recently, on June 13, the United States Navy carried out a daring rescue operation, evacuating a severely injured mariner from the Ukrainian-owned ship called the Verbena. The Verbena had been sailing in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by two anti-ship cruise missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

As the threat to maritime commerce persists in the Red Sea, international efforts will likely intensify to ensure the safety of commercial vessels navigating through these vital shipping corridors.