American forces assigned to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) airlifted the crew of a Greek-owned merchant ship attacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, on June 15.
The Liberian-flagged bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea, June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing.
Yemen’s military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as using a “drone boat,” as well as drones and ballistic missiles.
A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from Tutor to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 transported the group to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). After being medically checked on IKE, the mariners were flown ashore for follow-on care.
“It’s humbling to watch the Strike Group provide assistance and rescue the crew of M/V Tutor,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “We are always prepared to help; it is the right thing to do.”
“Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always,” said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Sea’s commanding officer.
IKECSG is operating in the US 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.
Greek ships attacked by Houthis in the Red Sea
The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
The US and UK launched waves of air strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, but they seem to have failed to deter the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important waterways for trade.
Several Greek ships have been the targets of the Houthis in recent months. In late May a Greek-owned bulk carrier, named the Laax, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was targeted about 52 miles (85 km) southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah.
In late April MV Cyclades, a Malta-flagged, Greece-owned vessel was attacked off the coast of Mokha, Yemen. The ship was damaged in the attack though its crew was safe.
In February another Greek-owned ship was targeted by missiles off the coast of Yemen. A Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was targeted by missiles in two separate incidents within two minutes while transiting through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
And in January 2024 a missile hit the dry bulk vessel, Zografia, which sustained minor damage. There were no injuries among the crew. A video of the Houthi strike was released by private Skai TV.