Abandoned Tanker Lavant Drifting Off Yemen’s Coast Most Likely Sunk

According to three naval and security sources, the Lavant, an abandoned tanker found drifting off the coast of Yemen in June, has most likely sunk.

This is the latest vessel lost in the strategically important Red Sea, a crucial maritime route connecting Asia and Europe.

The area is considered high-risk due to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi terrorists, who have launched over 70 strikes on merchant vessels since October 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

According to maritime security officials, the Lavant, which reported engine failure and was sinking, was unlikely to have been targeted by the Houthis.

On June 23, 2024, Russian shipping group Sovcomflot’s tanker, NS Africa, responded to the Lavant’s distress call and rescued 19 crew members from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Myanmar.

The crew who left the sinking lavant in a life raft were safely transferred to the NS Africa and were scheduled to depart in the Egyptian Port of Suez on June 29, 2024.

There were no reported injuries among the rescued crew.

According to naval and maritime security authorities, the Lavant was most likely sunk after drifting days.

It is still being determined whether the vessel was carrying any fuel.

Attempts to reach the vessel owner have failed.

Till now, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, captured one and killed at least four seafarers.

In addition, the Houthis have also detained the crew of another hijacked ship named Galaxy Leader.

The MV Verbena cargo ship targeted by the Houthis with anti-ship cruise missiles in June remains afloat and is awaiting salvage.

According to a source, an armed guard onboard the Verbena was injured during the attack.

The European Union’s Naval force in the region stated that the salvage operation for the MV Verbena is still underway.

Earlier this week, the European Union imposed sanctions on Sovcomflot following similar measures taken by Washington earlier this year.

The CEO of Sovcomflot raised concerns that these measures would jeopardize maritime safety and trade standards.

Reference: Reuters

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