Brussels 08.03.2024 The European Union strongly condemns attack on the Barbados-flagged and Liberian-owned bulk carrier ‘True Confidence’ while transiting the Gulf of Aden, resulting in reported tragic losses of life and multiple injuries among crew members, reads the statement by the Spokesperson on Houthis deadly attack against a vessel in the Gulf of Aden.

“This comes after the recent Houthi attack against the Rubymar vessel, with potentially devastating environmental impact in the Red Sea” the statement continues.

“The EU reiterates that these Houthi attacks are violations of international law, that threaten maritime security, freedom of navigation and global trade, and put the lives of sailors at risk. These attacks must cease immediately, as reiterated in the UNSC Resolution 2722, adopted on 10 January.

“The EU and its member states in accordance with international law, are determined to defend their vessels against attacks that undermine freedom of navigation, and navigational rights. Through the EU naval operation ASPIDES, the EU will continue to protect maritime security as a global common good, and safeguard the commercial and security interests of the EU and the wider international community”.

Three crew members have been killed in a missile strike on a cargo vessel off southern Yemen, causing the first deaths among sailors. The Barbados-flagged True Confidence was abandoned by the crew after March 6 attack, because of the inflicted significant damage.

Two of the sailors who were killed in the attack were Filipinos and the other was Vietnamese.

The attack on True Confidence occurred around 12:30 (09:30 GMT) on February 6, when the bulk carrier was in the Gulf of Aden, about 50 nautical miles (93km) south-west of the city of Aden, according to its owners.

The crew of 20 sailors, comprising one Indian, four Vietnamese and 15 Filipino nationals. Three armed guards two from Sri Lanka and one from Nepal were also on board.

The U.S. Central command published a statement, providing the details of the attack, pointing at the Iranian involvement: “At approximately 11:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) March 6, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, while transiting the Gulf of Aden. The missile struck the vessel, and the multinational crew reports three fatalities, at least four injuries, of which three are in critical condition, and significant damage to the ship.
The crew abandoned the ship and coalition warships responded and are assessing the situation”.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control the north of Yemen and other large centers, say their campaign is a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Houthi attacks have prompted a series of strikes against their positions by the United States and Britain, and have led other nations to send vessels to the region in the attempt to protect the vital Suez Canal trade route.

The Suez Canal, a critical infrastructure connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, a route to approximately 12% to 15% of global trade in 2023. UNCTAD estimates that the trade volume going through the Suez Canal decreased by 42% over the last two months of the Houthis random attacks.