Saturday July 20, 2024
The MV Lobivia, a Singapore-registered containership, seen docked at a port. The vessel recently sustained minor damage from a Houthi missile attack while en route to Somalia. Credit: Vessel Finder.
Mogadishu (HOL) — A Singapore-flagged containership, the MV Lobivia, sustained minor damage following a Houthi attack while en route to Somalia, according to confirmations from Singaporean authorities and the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The Houthis claim the vessel was targeted for violating their ban on Israeli ports.
The 30,375 dwt Lobivia, managed by Asiatic Lloyd of Singapore, had departed Djibouti on July 16, navigating around the Horn of Africa when it was struck approximately 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, by an "unknown projectile." The impact caused a fire that the crew successfully extinguished. The vessel, built in 2001, operates in the charter market with a capacity of 1,650 TEU.
In response to the attack, the Lobivia took evasive maneuvers to avoid further danger, a tactic often employed by vessels under Houthi threat. Reports indicate the ship deactivated its AIS signal post-attack and informed Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority of its continued journey to Somalia without requesting regional military assistance. A full damage assessment is planned upon arrival at its next port.
The Houthis have stated that their attacks on ships travelling to Israeli ports are a direct response to Israel's actions in Gaza. The Houthis aim to create economic and logistical challenges for Israel by disrupting trade routes and maritime activities, thereby pressuring Israel to reconsider its actions in Gaza. Another vessel, the tanker Chios Lion, was also targeted this week. After being struck on July 16, the tanker proceeded to Safaga, Egypt, under its own power, leaving a 125-mile oil slick in the Red Sea. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the leak.
Notably, the Lobivia assisted in the evacuation of the damaged bulker Rubymar in February following another Houthi assault. Although linked to CMA CGM's India-Africa service, the vessel is not listed on the French shipping giant's current tracking system.
The attack coincides with updated statistics from EUNAVFOR's Operation Aspides, detailing their extensive naval operations over the past five months. The mission has involved four naval vessels and over 800 personnel, covering 32,000 miles and providing 2,500 hours of protection services to merchant ships.
Despite a reported decrease in attack frequency, the Houthis continue to escalate their threats. Recent developments include a drone strike on Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties and demonstrating the group's expanding operational reach.