Crew abandons Ukrainian-Polish ship attacked by Houthis

The crew of the Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated M/V Verbena abandoned the ship after being attacked by Yemeni Houthis.

Source: US Central Command

Details: It is noted that the Houthis launched two missile strikes on 13 June.

The crew sent out a distress call on the afternoon of Saturday, 15 June, indicating they were abandoning the ship.

The Anna Meta vessel responded to provide assistance, picked up the sailors and transported them to safety.

The crew abandoned the vessel due to an ongoing fire and their inability to control it.

Notably, the Iranian frigate IRIN Jamaran was eight nautical miles away from the Verbena and did not respond to the distress call.

Quote: "This continued malign and reckless behaviour by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities."

Background: On 14 June, it was reported that a Ukrainian-Polish vessel had been attacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Gulf of Aden, leaving one person injured.

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