In a second major tanker incident on 24 August 2026, UKMTO reported a vessel struck by an unknown projectile about 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, igniting a fire on the main deck. All crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was stated in the initial advisory.
Maritime security analysts identified the ship as Saudi-flagged, Bahri-owned VLCC AMZAN (IMO 9693745), sailing from Ain Sukhna, Egypt, toward Yanbu. The Houthis claimed a ballistic-missile strike. The attack fits the group’s renewed focus on Saudi-flagged, Saudi-owned or Saudi-calling tonnage and lands as JMIC keeps Bab el-Mandeb / southern Red Sea threat levels at Substantial.
What Operators Should Note
- Saudi-linked Red Sea fixtures remain primary Houthi targets.
- Yanbu approaches are not a safe haven relative to Bab el-Mandeb — range now reaches far north.
- Confirm war-risk cover after 16 August club exclusions before any Saudi Red Sea call.
- Drill deck-fire and abandon-ship responses for missile-induced tanker fires.
RegulAs Shipping will follow AMZAN damage assessments and any further Yanbu-area warnings.
