NINGBO MORE KASI TRADING CO.,LTD

MSC was attacked while crossing the Red Sea

MSC said it would continue to divert to the Cape of Good Hope until the safety of the crew was ensured.

Mediterranean Shipping (MSC) confirmed that one of its container ships was attacked while crossing the southern Red Sea on December 26.

 

Yemen’s Houthis said they attacked MSC United VIII, built in 2006 with a capacity of 8,204 TEU, because “the crew refused our calls three times and repeated warning signals.”

 

It is understood that MSC United VIII, flying the Liberian flag, was on its way from King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia to Karachi, Pakistan.

 

“All crew members are safe and unharmed and we are conducting a thorough assessment of the vessel,” MSC said in a statement. The company added that its first priority is the safety of the lives of the crew, so the MSC will continue to divert to the Cape of Good Hope until the crew’s safety is assured.

 

It is worth noting that with the advancement of some national escort plans, a number of liner giants have new navigation plans according to the latest situation.

 

The French navy has begun escorting the country’s merchant vessels through the Red Sea after making it clear that it wants to “prioritise its own shipping interests”.

 

In addition, in response to the United States announced the escort operation “Prosperity Guardian Operation” (OPG), Maersk issued an announcement on December 24 that it is planning to resume shipping in the Red Sea region.

 

Maersk said that with the implementation of OPG, plans are currently being made to allow the first ships to pass through.

 

However, Maersk also stressed that although security measures have been taken to ensure that its vessels are able to pass through the Red Sea, the overall risk in the region has not been eliminated at this stage, and if Maersk believes that there is a safety risk to the crew, it will “not hesitate to reassess the situation and activate the diversion plan again”.