Missile Attack on India-Bound Tanker Raises Red Sea Tensions

17th February 2024

Report: Missile Attack on India-Bound Tanker in Red Sea.

The tranquility of the Red Sea was shattered on February 17th, 2024, when a missile launched from Yemen struck the M/T Pollux, a Panamanian-flagged tanker en route to India. The attack, attributed to the Houthi rebels, ignited regional tensions and underscored the growing vulnerability of global trade routes.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and British maritime security firm Ambrey, the missile hit the M/T Pollux on its port side approximately 72 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port of Mokha. While the attack caused minor damage and the crew remained unharmed, its symbolic significance sent shockwaves through the shipping industry.

The M/T Pollux, which was operated by Sea Trade Marine SA and owned by Oceanfront Maritime Co SA, sailed on January 24 from Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. On February 28, it was scheduled to unload its cargo in Paradip, India. The Indian Oil Company’s 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) oil refinery is located in the city where it is intended to land, which is noteworthy and raises questions about possible disruptions to India’s energy security.

The attack on the M/T Pollux comes amidst a series of similar incidents targeting vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade. These attacks have disrupted maritime traffic, causing delays and increased insurance premiums for shipping companies. The resulting disruptions have the potential to stoke fears of inflation, particularly for essential commodities transported through the region.

Moreover, the attack coincides with heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the region. The Red Sea borders both Saudi Arabia and Iran, major players in the ongoing proxy conflict in Yemen, further amplifying the geopolitical implications of the incident.

Also Read: Global Oil Buyers are Buying Local amid the Red Sea Crisis

Even though there were no casualties from the attack on the M/T Pollux, it is a clear reminder of how precarious the security situation is in the Red Sea. It draws attention to how vulnerable maritime trade routes are becoming and how more disruptions to the stability of the world economy could occur. Ensuring the safety of navigation and reducing the wider geopolitical and economic risks posed by such attacks require addressing the underlying causes of Yemen’s instability and promoting regional cooperation.

conclusion

The missile attack on the M/T Pollux not only jeopardizes the lives of innocent seafarers but also threatens the smooth flow of global trade. It underscores the need for urgent action to address regional tensions and implement robust security measures to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the Red Sea. Failure to do so will put global trade at risk and potentially exacerbate existing geopolitical instabilities with far-reaching consequences.

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