Discover the Verbena: Ratings & Maritime News

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported on July 9 that the vessel Verbena, which faced an armed assault by Yemen's Houthi forces on June 13, has been successfully towed away from the danger zone and is now on its way to its next destination. The incident occurred while the Verbena was navigating through the Gulf of Aden, approximately 98 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen, where it was struck by three missiles. The Houthis subsequently claimed responsibility for this aggressive action.

As of July 3, the abandoned cargo ship 'Verbena' continues to drift in open waters following a deadly attack by Houthi militants, who targeted the vessel with anti-ship cruise missiles. The ship, which was left unmanned by its crew in the wake of the assault, is now awaiting a salvage operation. Reports confirm that one armed guard aboard sustained injuries during the missile strike, highlighting the dangers faced in this maritime zone. Efforts are expected to be made soon to recover the vessel and secure the area.

In a significant operation in the Red Sea, the Dutch naval vessel HNLMS 'Karel Doorman' provided critical treatment for an injured crew member, marking the first such medical intervention during its current mission. The injured party, a seafarer from Nepal, was airlifted by aircraft from the USS 'Philippine Sea' following a dire missile attack on the vessel 'Verbena'. The incident occurred on June 13, when 'Verbena' sustained two missile strikes in the Gulf of Aden, leading to a devastating fire onboard. After the attack, which left the ship adrift and ablaze, the crew was evacuated on June 15. The injured sailor was then transported to 'Karel Doorman' for emergency surgery, receiving vital care before being transferred to Djibouti on June 16 for further medical assistance. This sequence of events underscores the inherent dangers faced by maritime personnel and the swift response of naval forces in critical scenarios.