'Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea' | CENTCOM Statement

🔶️ "On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats. The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew served and small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel. A contract embarked security team on the MAERSK HANZGHOU returned fire. U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment."

🔶️ Timeline:

Dec 14th: Maersk Gibraltar targeted by a missile.

Dec 15th: Maersk reroutes all ships around Africa

Dec 16th: Other large container ship owners reroute

Dec 26th: Maersk announces return to Red Sea

Dec 27th: Hapag-Lloyd & MSC say it's still too dangerous

Dec 29th: Maersk admits it's dangerous and pays crew double wages while transiting the Red Sea.

Dec 30th: Houthis shoot 3 missiles at Maersk Hangzhou. USS Gravely shoots down 2. One missile hits Maersk Hangzhou. Maersk ship continues sailing

Dec 31st: 4 armed Houthi boats swarm ship. Maersk security team opens fire. US Navy helicopters respond and sink 3 boats, killing the crew.