Red Sea Blaze: Hong Kong-Flagged Ship Abandoned Amid Houthi Tensions

A Hong Kong-flagged container ship caught fire following an explosion in the Red Sea, forcing the crew to abandon it. The incident occurred near Hodeida, Yemen, where Houthi rebels have previously targeted vessels. The crew was safely rescued, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

An explosion ignited a major fire on a Hong Kong-flagged container ship traveling through the Red Sea on Tuesday, compelling the crew to abandon the vessel, according to shipping industry officials.

The burning ship drifted approximately 225 kilometers off the coast of Hodeida, a Yemeni port city controlled by Houthi rebels, as reported by the Diaplous Group, a maritime company.

While the specific cause of the fire is unclear, the Houthis have a history of targeting ships in the area. Despite a recent ceasefire related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, risks persist, affecting the flow of trade through this vital waterway.

(With inputs from agencies.)