MSC confirmed that on 26 December the 8,200 TEU container ship MSC UNITED VIII was attacked while transiting the Red Sea.
“The vessel informed a nearby coalition task force warship of the attack and as instructed engaged in evasive maneuvers,” reported the Swiss/Italian ocean carrier.
According to the company’s announcement, all crew are safe with no reported injuries and a thorough assessment of the vessel is being conducted.
The incident occurred on 26 December at approximately 12:25 UTC while the Liberia-flagged vessel was en route from King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia to the port of Karachi in Pakistan.
MSC stated, “Our first priority remains protecting the lives and safety of our seafarers, and until their safety can be ensured MSC will continue to reroute vessels booked for Suez transit via the Cape of Good Hope.”