Read Authentic Ratings for the Lila-Evia

In a decisive display of maritime security, the French frigate FREMM 'Languedoc' successfully intercepted and destroyed a threatening drone during a missile attack on the commercial vessel 'Strinda' in the Bam-el-Mandem Strait. As the situation escalated, the frigate positioned itself to safeguard 'Strinda' from further aggression, effectively thwarting an attempted hijacking. Fortunately, the fire aboard the 'Strinda' was contained swiftly, with no reported injuries among the crew. Following the incident, the USS 'Mason' provided escort to the 'Strinda', guiding it safely towards the Gulf of Aden, away from the immediate threat. This drone interception underscores the ongoing commitment of the FREMM 'Languedoc', which has been actively conducting freedom of navigation patrols in the region since December 8. Just days prior to this incident, the frigate had successfully shot down two other drones, approximately 110 kilometers from Yemen's coast near Al Hudaydah, demonstrating its crucial role in ensuring maritime safety in the area.

The Norwegian tanker 'Strinda' was recently struck by an anti-ship missile in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical entry point to the Red Sea. Notably, the vessel had been listed among ships scheduled to arrive at the Ashdod port in Israel, with a planned docking date of January 4, 2024, as per a now-removed list on the port's official website. The owner, J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, originally indicated that the vessel was en route to Italy but did not disclose its subsequent plans for Ashdod. This attack, attributed to the Houthi militia, aligns with their declared intentions to target vessels linked to Israeli interests. Additionally, the list that included the Strinda also featured ships from the Maersk fleet. In response to these growing threats, Maersk announced on December 12 that it would reroute its vessels to avoid traversing the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The maritime communities of both Denmark and Norway have expressed strong condemnation of this incident, with Norwegian shipowners advocating for enhanced military protection for maritime operations in these vulnerable waters.

On December 11, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m. EST, the tanker 'Strinda' was targeted by an anti-ship missile while navigating international waters in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, near Yemen. The vessel was on a journey from Tanjung Langsat to Suez when it encountered difficulties. Initially, the Yemeni Navy instructed the vessel to redirect its course towards Yemen. In response, the 'Strinda' adjusted its path, moving further west away from the Yemeni coastline. However, it was during this maneuver that the Houthis launched an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) from a region under their control, striking the tanker roughly 15 nautical miles from the port of Mokha. The impact caused significant damage, leading to a fire on board the tanker; fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities among the crew. At the time of the attack, no U.S. naval vessels were present in the vicinity. However, the USS 'Mason' responded promptly to the ship's mayday call and is currently providing assistance. The extent of the fire's damage is still being assessed, marking a concerning incident in these increasingly volatile waters.