Oil tankers change course in Red Sea after Houthi blockade threats

Several oil tankers have altered course or turned back in the Red Sea following threats and attacks by Yemen's Houthi group, vessel-tracking data showed on Thursday. Some tankers changed direction to avoid the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with two heading north toward the Suez Canal.

Vessels Reversing Course

The move followed U-turns by the Xin Long Yang and Rodos on Tuesday, which reversed course before reaching the southern entrance of the Red Sea. Other vessels including the New Champion, Xin Tong Yang and New Prime also changed direction, while the Xin Long Yang and Cosnew Lake were again heading toward the strait on Thursday, potentially testing whether the Houthis would enforce their blockade.

Houthi Attacks and Blockade

The Houthis said they targeted the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla with missiles and drones. The Encelia issued a distress call after being struck, causing a fire on its bow, with the crew reported safe. The Iran-aligned group announced Monday it would impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over further disruption as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is already severely restricted.