US Navy Rescues Crew of Cargo Ship Hit by Houthis in Red Sea
There has been an unprecedented increase in distress calls in the Red Sea since November.
RED SEA – American sailors airlifted to safety the crew of a merchant vessel that was attacked by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
Members of the Dwight D Eisenhower carrier strike group assisted the mariners from the MV Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier.
The Tutor was struck by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea on June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing.
“The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by USS Philippine Sea and partner forces,” US Central Command said.
“Tutor remains in the Red Sea and is slowly taking on water.”
The incident was reported to and managed by watchkeepers at UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which acts as a hub to receive distress calls from ships in many parts of the world – including the Red Sea, which has seen an unprecedented 475% increase since November.
A Sea Hawk helicopter airlifted 24 civilian mariners from the MV Tutor to the USS Philippine Sea.
The mariners were flown by helicopter to the USS Eisenhower. The mariners were checked by medical crews, and 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.”
The day before, an air medevac was conducted from MV Verbena in order to save an injured seafarer after his ship was hit in a Houthi missile attack.
– From combined reports