In a potentially concerning incident indicative of the complexities surrounding maritime security in the region, the crude oil tanker Pacific 01, registered in Panama, experienced an explosion while traversing the Red Sea, approximately 65 nautical miles west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The event occurred overnight, with reports indicating that a second merchant vessel observed a missile passing overhead during the incident.

Attributed to Houthi militants, the attack has sparked discussions regarding the accuracy of targeting information, particularly concerning outdated vessel data. The tanker, formerly managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping of Singapore, was previously associated with Israeli shipping magnate Idan Ofer. However, recent ownership and management transfers to Pacific Ocean Energy Trans, a Vietnamese-based entity, occurred last month, resulting in the vessel's rebranding as Pacific 01.

Security authorities have underscored the risks associated with such discrepancies, highlighting previous instances where outdated vessel information led to similar targeting incidents. Initial reports from the UK Maritime Trade Organizations and Ambrey suggested that the tanker sustained damage from the attack. However, subsequent clarification from UKMTO revealed that following a daylight inspection, the vessel's master confirmed no damage had occurred, and the vessel proceeded with its intended route, signaling its upcoming transit through the Suez Canal.