Three maritime security sources confirmed on Thursday that a rescue operation was underway for the crew aboard a cargo ship flying the Panamanian flag, which had been abandoned near the port of Hodeidah at the Red Sea.

The number of crew members on board and the cause of the accident were not known.

One source said that the crew was forced to leave the vessel because of engine problems. One source claimed that an explosion had occurred inside the ship.

Since November 2023, Houthi forces aligned with Iran have attacked international shipping near Yemen in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza War between Hamas & Israel.

It wasn't clear whether the latest shipping accident was connected to Houthi activities. (Reporting and writing by Jonathan Saul, Yannis Souliotis, Renee Maltezou, Editing by Saad sayeed)

(source: Reuters)