RPG fired at gas ship off Yemen

A number of private security firms have confirmed to Splash that the laden Teekay LNG vessel Galicia Spirit was fired on by an RPG off the coast of Yemen today. The 2004-built ship and its crew escaped unharmed.

The incident happened mid-morning eight nautical miles off of Perim Island.

A group on a skiff approached the 138,000 cu m ship and fired an RPG which fortunately did no harm to the gas ship, which has since continued its voyage towards Egypt with a warship providing guard.

“The use of RPGs in an attack against a vessel in this shipping choke point is very worrying,” UK security broker ASKET said in a note today, adding: “Crews are advised to maintain a good lookout by radar and enhanced watchkeepers, crew should take cover in pre designated areas away from the side of any threat if possible and be prepared to fight any fires caused by an exploding warhead.”