Working Conditions Aboard the Layla

In a notable incident on July 22, 2026, the oil tanker 'Encelia' caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile while navigating approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaia, near Jizan in the Red Sea. The crew promptly initiated firefighting measures to control the blaze on the starboard side of the vessel. Fortunately, no injuries or environmental damage have been reported as a result of the incident. Emerging reports indicate that the Houthi rebels in Yemen have taken responsibility for the attack, alleging an assault on two Saudi tankers that purportedly violated a blockade enforced by them on Saudi ports. In their statement, the Houthis also mentioned that they targeted the 'Layla,' which allegedly sustained damage from their assault; however, this claim remains unverified by independent sources. At the time of the attack, the 'Encelia' had last transmitted an AIS signal on July 17, indicating its location west of where the incident occurred. The Houthis asserted that their forces utilized a combination of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, to execute the strikes on the vessels. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and highlights the risks faced by maritime operations in the Red Sea.