First Houthi Kamikaze Drone Boat Attack on Bulk Carrier Captured in Dramatic Footage

Unverified Footage of Alleged Drone Boat Attack

An unverified video has surfaced on X, seemingly showing the bulk carrier "Tutor", which transports commodities, under attack by a drone boat. It is believed that this drone boat is remotely controlled by Houthi rebels backed by Iran. Should this incident be confirmed, it would mark the first known drone boat assault on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea since the rebels initiated their attacks on this crucial maritime bottleneck in late 2023.

Details of the Attack

Clash Report, a user on X, shared the footage with the caption, "Footage shows what appears to be the first successful Houthi kamikaze USV strike on Greek-owned cargo ship Tutor while transiting the Red Sea on June 12". Clash Report further added that the ship's guards were completely baffled by what they were witnessing and couldn't react in time before the small craft collided with the ship.

Confusion and Chaos on Board

The initial image reveals the armed guards on the bulk carrier were utterly perplexed by the small craft loaded with explosives and possibly mannequins. The video footage captures the crew and armed guards scrambling for safety inside the ship just moments before the small craft struck the stern of the bulk carrier.

Aftermath of the Attack

An aerial video shows the Tutor taking on water in the stern area. Earlier reports suggest that the engine room is flooded. On Saturday, it was reported that the US military rescued 21 out of the 22 Filipino seafarers on board the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned and operated bulk carrier. Sadly, one crew member reportedly lost his life in the explosion.

Questions Raised about Security Measures

The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the armed guards on board. They failed to use surveillance drones to inspect the approaching vessel and no shots were fired from their 7.62x39mm rifles, as seen in the video.

Cost of Attacks and Rising Tensions

These attacks across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have already cost the US military (and by extension, taxpayers) approximately $1 billion in munitions to counter anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles and suicide drones, as reported by Axios. The current administration's perceived weakness has seemingly emboldened the Houthis to continue launching missiles, drones, and now suicide drone boats, at commercial ships and military vessels associated with the West. This unrest in the shipping lane is leading to a supply shock.

Expectations of Increased Attacks

Commodity traders have expressed their expectations of an increase in attacks on the Red Sea. Last week marked the first time the Houthis used a drone boat. There is also a growing focus on the Mediterranean area due to the expanded threat posed by the Houthis.

What are your thoughts?

This incident has sparked numerous questions and concerns about maritime security, the effectiveness of current defensive measures, and the escalating tensions in these crucial shipping lanes. What is your perspective on these developments? Share this article with your friends and discuss it. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.