A Houthi (Yemeni rebel group) one-way attack uncrewed surface vessel (OWA-USV) struck a commercial ship in the Red Sea on 17th June 2024
The Liberian bulk carrier MV Tutor was struck on the stern by the OWA-USV, before being struck by a missile
The skiff-type vessel was reportedly 5-7 m long, had a forward mounted camera and mannequins to deceive other vessels into thinking a crew is present
The use of a skiff was probably an attempt to blend in by disguising itself as a fishing vessel
This type of vessel has been seen before, during an attempted strike in March 2020, where up to four skiffs engaged the MT Gladiolus
The skiffs from 2020 (right) appear near identical to the skiff in the 2024 event (left), indicating a common design that is likely to be used in future
The Houthi group has other USVs available
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