Egypt denies reports Houthi attack targeted Egyptian ship off Yemen

Egypt’s Ministry of Transport has denied reports that a vessel named TIHAMA, targeted by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen, was affiliated with Egypt. The ministry clarified that the ship is not registered with Egyptian shipping chambers, has not been licensed to operate through the Egyptian maritime and logistics sector, and the operating company is not based in Alexandria.

According to a statement issued by the ministry on Thursday, the vessel sails under the Tanzanian flag, is owned by a Yemeni national, and is operated by Blue Sea for Management Marine through its branch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The ministry added that the TIHAMA, which was off the Yemeni coast at the time of the attack, has never entered Egyptian ports, was not en route to Egypt, and was not carrying cargo belonging to Egyptians. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring all developments related to Egyptian territorial waters, the safety and security of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, and the protection of Egyptian companies, ships, and seafarers.

The Ministry of Transport dismissed reports circulated by some media outlets and social media platforms regarding the TIHAMA, urging all media to verify information about the ministry and obtain accurate details from official sources in Egypt, including the Ministry of Transport itself.