UPDATE - Vessel hit by 'unknown object' off Yemen, says UK maritime agency

UPDATES WITH NEW DETAILS; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - A vessel was reportedly hit by an “unknown object” northwest of Saleef, Yemen, a UK maritime agency said on Tuesday.

"Company Security Officer reports vessel has been hit by an unknown object in the cargo hold," the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in a statement.

Earlier, UKMTO said that it had received a report of an “incident” 100 nautical miles northwest of Saleef, Yemen.

"Authorities are investigating," the agency added, advising vessels "to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity."

This came a day after Houthis in Yemen targeted a US-owned ship with naval rockets off the Yemeni coast.

Similar incidents have occurred recently in the region, particularly since Israel launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Yemeni Houthis have targeted vessels in the Red Sea, in particular ones that are bound for Israel.