Projectile Strike Confirmed on Tanker 63 NM West of Yanbu-

YANBU, SAUDI ARABIA — A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu on August 24, producing a fire on the main deck.

All crew members were accounted for and safe. No environmental impact was reported. Vessels were advised to transit the area with caution and report any suspicious activity.

The location lies in the northern Red Sea, within Saudi waters near the kingdom’s principal Red Sea crude-export terminal.

The incident follows the Houthi-declared maritime blockade of Saudi ports that began July 20 and a series of earlier projectile strikes on Saudi-linked tankers in the same theater, including the August 5 Houthi claim of a strike on the Saudi-flagged NCC Wafa off Yanbu.

No claim of responsibility has been issued by any party as of 8:15 a.m. UTC August 24. No statement from Saudi authorities, the vessel’s flag state, or the reporting Company Security Officer identifying the tanker had been released at that time.

Threat Level

Elevated (unchanged from prior northern Red Sea baseline)

JMIC Threat Level: SEVERE

• Confirmed kinetic strike on a commercial tanker in the approaches to a primary Saudi crude-export terminal

• Continuation of projectile attacks on vessels operating near Yanbu under the existing Houthi blockade of Saudi ports

• Zero casualties and zero pollution reported in the present incident

Level rises on confirmation of a second strike within 48 hours, a Houthi claim linking the attack to the blockade, or measurable disruption to Yanbu loadings. Level falls on 72 hours without further incidents and restoration of normal transit rates.

What Happened

• August 24, 6:37 a.m. UTC: Warning 119-26 records Company Security Officer report of tanker struck by unknown projectile 63 NM west of Yanbu, main-deck fire, all crew safe, no environmental impact.

• Transit-with-caution advisory issued for the northern Red Sea with request for immediate reporting of suspicious activity.

• As of 8:15 a.m. UTC August 24 the same wording remains the sole official product on the issuing body’s recent-incidents page; no vessel name, flag, or operator has been released.

Locations Affected

• Incident position: approximately 24.1°N 37.0°E (derived from stated 63 NM west of Yanbu; exact coordinates not released)

• Yanbu crude-export terminal and adjacent northern Red Sea transit lanes

Official Statements

• UK Maritime Trade Operations, Warning 119-26, August 24: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 63NM west of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The Company Security Officer reported a tanker has been struck by unknown projectile causing a fire to the vessel on the main deck. All crew are safe and accounted for and no environmental impact has been reported. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”