Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Laax

On May 30, 2023, a joint operation by U.S. and UK military forces led to the targeted strikes on over a dozen Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. This action was initiated in response to recent escalations in Houthi attacks that jeopardized merchant vessels and coalition interests. The military engagement saw the destruction of eight Houthi drones operating over the Red Sea and in Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen during the afternoon hours. These extensive strikes, which were executed in self-defense, targeted 13 terrorist-controlled Houthi locations, including strategic missile launchers, command centers, and underground facilities. Notably, a Houthi vessel was also struck. The day before this operation, Houthi forces had downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone using an anti-aircraft missile, marking the sixth instance of such aircraft shootdowns claimed by the group. Additionally, on May 28, 2023, the Houthi rebels launched a barrage of missile attacks on the 'Laax', inflicting multiple hits that damaged the hull and shattered cargo hatch No. 6. Despite sustaining five hits from anti-ship missiles, the crew remained unharmed, and the vessel successfully proceeded to its next port of call. Following the attacks, the 'Laax' received an inspection from an explosives disposal team based in Djibouti, where French forces maintain a military presence. Fortunately, no further hazards were detected on board the ship, ensuring the safety of its continued operations. For detailed reports and photos regarding these events, visit: - [Maritime Executive](https://maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-and-uk-forces-hit-back-after-houthi-attacks) - [Le Marin](https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/defense/en-images-les-forces-francaises-en-mer-rouge-assistent-le-navire-touche-par-des-missiles-houthistes-762bcd1e-1e7c-11ef-9302-e3fef0044a0c)

On May 28, 2024, the bulk carrier 'Laax', while navigating in the Red Sea approximately 33 nautical miles northwest of Al Mukha, Yemen, became the target of a missile attack. The vessel, which had 14 crew members onboard, was en route from Vatika Bay to Imam Khomeini after successfully discharging a significant cargo of around 60,000 tons of soya beans at Ceyhan on May 21. This alarming incident unfolded as the 'Laax' was sailing in ballast when it was hit by three of the five missiles launched from Yemen that day. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew, which comprised 13 Filipinos and one Ukrainian. The strike caused damage to a cargo hold, leading the ship to take on water and develop a list. As a precaution, the 'Laax' is currently heading towards a nearby port—most likely Djibouti—for a thorough assessment of the damage sustained during the attack.

A new time charter has been successfully finalized, with the vessel delivered in Port Klang. The ship's journey will take it through the East Coast of South America before re-delivery in the Singapore-Japan region. This charter will generate daily income of $14,750 for Louis Dreyfus, marking another strategic move in the company's maritime operations.