The USS Mason, a US destroyer, responded to a distress call from a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden which had been taken over by armed assailants. The tanker, identified as the Central Park, was managed by Zodiac Maritime Ltd, owned by Israel’s Ofer family.
The USS Mason demanded the release of the tanker by the attackers, and five armed individuals eventually surrendered after attempting to flee. Two ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen towards the USS Mason and the Central Park, but landed away from the vessels causing no damage or injuries.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters since the war in Gaza broke out on October 7. The US has blamed Iran for unclaimed attacks on vessels in the region, but Tehran has denied involvement.
The UKMTO called on other vessels to exercise caution in the area, and Zodiac Maritime thanked the coalition forces for their quick response. The company confirmed that the multinational crew onboard the tanker is safe.