Ardmore-Encounter

The 'Ardmore Encounter' on its way from Mangalore, was approached by a speed boat with armed persons prior to the missile attack on Dec 13, after its crew refused to comply with Yemeni calls to change its northbound course. The speedboat had two engines and approached the vessel at 20 knots. Up to 10 rounds of bullets were fired at the 'Ardmore Encounter' from a distance of 300 metres. When the vessel continued on its course under the protection and instructions of the nearby warship USS 'Mason', the Yemeni Houthis fired two missiles at it. One missile was reportedly intercepted, while the second exploded approximately 200 yards from the tanker's stern. All crew members were safe, and no damage was reported to the vessel. The vessel remained fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage onboard, and was considered to be out of immediate danger since.

Two missiles fired from territory held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels missed the 'Ardmore Encounter', which was loaded with jet fuel from the Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd., a joint operation of the oil giant and India’s national oil company, near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Dec 13, 2023. It was the first time they target an energy shipment heading to the Suez Canal. An American warship also shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident. No one was hurt in the attack. The assault on the tanker further escalated a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and also widened the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war raging in the Gaza Strip. The tanker was sailing northwards towards the Suez Canal in the Red Sea on its way from Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard. All crew members are safe and accounted for, and the vessel remained fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board. The operator Ardmore was in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance was now in the area providing support as required.

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