In the past week, at least two cargo ships with ties to Israel have come under attack from suspected Iranian linked factions, as the conflict in Israel and Gaza continues.

The 15,000 teu container ship ‘CMA CGM Symi’  has reportedly been struck by a Shahed-136 attack drone in the Indian Ocean. The vessel sustained damage, but the crew were unharmed and the vessel is headed to its next port of call in Malaysia.

The vessel is operated on behalf of CMA CGM by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, which is owned by an Israeli billionaire. 

In another attack, the car carrier ‘Galaxy leader’ is understood to have been boarded and seized by Houthi rebels in The Red Sea and diverted to Hodeida, Yemen. The vessel is operated by NYK, but owned by an Isle Of Man-based carrier with Israeli ownership.

The attacks follow reported promises from Houthi leaders that they would target Israel-linked shipping in retaliation to Israeli military operations in Gaza.

We understand that neither the crews or operators involved have links to Israel, which suggests that a wider range of vessels may be at risk of future attacks. Several carriers are now on high alert for ships passing through The Red Sea region, which forms part of the main East to West shipping route.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.