By Wasana Nadeeshani Sellahewa
(Commonwealth) _ In a concerning escalation of maritime tensions, Houthi forces intensified their campaign against Red Sea shipping by launching two ballistic missiles at the Liberian-flagged merchant ship Pinocchio. The vessel, owned and operated by entities with Singaporean addresses, was targeted approximately at 0850 and 1250 hours, local time. Fortunately, neither missile struck the Panamax boxship, and it continued its commercial voyage, reporting an explosion sound near its location about 70 nautical miles off Saleef, Yemen. The Panamax container ship Pinocchio, a vessel central to the recent Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea, is commercially operated by SeaLead, a container line with offices situated in Singapore and Dubai. Despite being a relatively small player in the industry, SeaLead has established a noteworthy presence in the region, particularly since its inception in 2017 when it commenced operations by providing feeder services in the Red Sea.
The company’s specialization in feeder services implies a focus on transporting cargo from smaller ports to larger hub ports, facilitating the efficient movement of goods within the maritime network. This strategic positioning has allowed SeaLead to carve out a niche for itself in the challenging and dynamic Red Sea shipping environment, serving as a vital link in the global supply chain. Adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation, SeaLead has undergone a recent change in ownership dynamics. The company has been acquired by a consortium consisting of four investment companies, a development that introduces new variables to the maritime landscape in the Red Sea. This change in ownership not only underscores the fluid nature of the shipping industry but also introduces potential considerations related to the geopolitical and security aspects of maritime operations.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the attack, asserting that the group had targeted an “American ship.” While claiming success in the strike, Saree provided no evidence to support the assertion. However, Pinocchio’s last Automatic Identification System (AIS) position indicated that it had safely exited the southern Red Sea, finding refuge off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Despite Houthi leaders pledging to only target ships associated with the U.S., the UK, or Israel, the Pinocchio incident underscores the indiscriminate nature of the attacks. Vessels with different affiliations have also found themselves in the crossfire, heightening concerns about the potential for further disruptions to international shipping in the region.
In response to the missile attacks, U.S. forces took swift action by destroying 18 Houthi missiles on the ground. This proactive measure aimed to neutralize potential threats to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. Additionally, not for the first time, an unmanned underwater vessel was targeted and eliminated, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command. Later in the day, CENTCOM carried out six strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to ensuring the security of maritime routes in the Red Sea. The strikes were executed in response to identified threats deemed to pose an imminent danger to both merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships operating in the area.
The evolving situation in the Red Sea demands close international attention, as the targeted attacks on commercial vessels could have far-reaching implications for maritime security. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect the vital sea lanes must be prioritized to ensure the safety of crews, vessels, and the uninterrupted flow of global commerce. As diplomatic and military responses unfold, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to assess the broader impact on regional stability and international maritime operations.
