Aden — A projectile struck the waters of the Red Sea near a commercial vessel off the coast of Yemen, according to a report issued Thursday by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred approximately 178 nautical miles northwest of the port city of Hodeidah, UKMTO said. The projectile landed in the sea at a distance from the ship, which remained unharmed. The vessel and its crew continued safely toward their next destination.

While the origin of the projectile remains unclear, the region has witnessed a surge in maritime threats amid escalating tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement. The group has previously targeted vessels in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

UKMTO advised ships transiting the area to exercise heightened caution and report any suspicious activity. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest incident, and investigations are ongoing.

The Red Sea remains a critical artery for global trade, and recent attacks have raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal.