The rising escalation in the Red Sea has now turned deadly, as Houthi attacks yesterday caused their first fatalities.
The Iran-backed terrorists fired a missile at the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned True Confidence, setting the bulk carrier ablaze. All 20 crewmembers and three armed guards were taken to the hospital by an Indian warship. Two Filipino nationals and one Vietnamese national were killed in the attack. The vessel is now adrift, and salvage arrangements are being made.
The attack causes many to wonder if the Pentagon’s strikes against the Houthis are making any real impact. The White House defended the attacks.
Meanwhile, the leading international seafarers union is now calling on the industry to divert ships around the Cape of Good Hope. The route adds 10 days to the journey, delaying supply chains and pushing up costs.