What Crew Members Say About Morning-Tide

On February 5, 2024, the Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched a series of attacks targeting two merchant ships, the 'Star Nasia' (IMO: 9361237) and the 'Morning Tide', while they were navigating the Red Sea. The assault began at approximately 1:45 a.m. and continued until around 4:30 p.m. Arabian Standard Time. The Houthis fired six anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from their controlled territories in Yemen, with three of these missiles aimed at the 'Star Nasia', which was traveling from Norfolk, Virginia, to Visakhapatnam. At 3:20 a.m., the 'Star Nasia' experienced an explosion in proximity to the vessel, resulting in minor damage but thankfully no reported injuries. A second missile strike occurred at 2 p.m., landing in the water near the ship with no significant impact. Notably, the USS 'Laboon' (DDG 58), operating nearby, intercepted a third missile later in the afternoon, ensuring the safety of the merchant vessel. The 'Star Nasia' sustained its seaworthiness and is on course to reach Visakhapatnam by February 17. Meanwhile, the remaining three missiles targeted the 'Morning Tide', which was also operating in the Southern Red Sea. These missiles similarly impacted the water with no consequences. The 'Morning Tide', en route from Istanbul to Singapore, is expected to arrive by February 18 and reported no injuries or damage during the incident.