Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Al-Oraiq

On June 1, 2024, the Houthi movement declared that they successfully targeted several vessels including the U.S. aircraft carrier 'Dwight D. Eisenhower' (MMSI: 368962000) and the destroyer USS 'Gravely' (MMSI: 369970634). Their claims extend to the merchant ships 'Abliani' (IMO: 9693068), 'Maina' (IMO: 9699892), and 'Al Oraiq' (IMO: 9360790) operating within the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. This wave of assaults followed a series of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and U.K. military strikes on May 30 against 13 locations held by the Houthis in Yemen. Reports indicate that multiple missiles and drones targeted the 'Eisenhower'. At the time of the incident, the 'Abliani' was navigating through the Red Sea, making its way from Le Havre to Suez. Furthermore, the Houthis claimed two attacks on the 'Maina', first in the Red Sea and subsequently in the Arabian Sea, as it sailed from Ust Luga to Krishnapatnam. The 'Al Oraiq' was reported to be struck in the Indian Ocean while traveling from Ras Laffan to Chioggia. In a follow-up statement on June 2, USCENTCOM confirmed the destruction of one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in the southern Red Sea on June 1, along with the identification of two UAS that crashed in the same area. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully intercepted and destroyed two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) directed at the USS Gravely in the southern Red Sea.

An independent investigation has uncovered significant errors made by the crew of the tanker Al Oraiq in the collision with the Flinterstar. The report details that the Al Oraiq was traveling at an excessive speed, and the crew failed to accurately assess the traffic conditions in the vicinity. The vessel navigated incorrectly by passing on the wrong side of a buoy, which essentially made a collision with the Flinterstar inevitable. Additionally, the investigation highlighted a critical language barrier, noting that communication among the vessels' crews and the radar tower at Zeebrugge predominantly occurred in Dutch— a language neither of the ship’s captains understood. Initially, it was believed that the Flinterstar bore the brunt of the blame, but the findings cast doubt on that narrative. The matter now awaits determination from the court regarding overall liability for the incident.

The 'Al Oraiq' has successfully undergone repairs following its collision with the 'Flinterstar' at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast. The repair work was completed on December 12, allowing the vessel to depart from the port around midday. The ship is now en route to Port Said, with an estimated time of arrival set for December 22. This swift turnaround highlights the efficiency of the repair team at the shipyard.