A distress call has been received from a vessel off the coast of Yemen, with the crew reporting a suspected missile strike. The Royal Navy has launched an investigation, but details remain scarce. Sources confirm that the call came in at approximately 14:30 GMT, originating from a commercial ship in international waters near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
The crew described a loud explosion and subsequent fire, though the nature of the attack is unconfirmed. No group has claimed responsibility. The region has seen increased Houthi rebel activity targeting shipping lanes, but officials are not ruling out other actors.
The Royal Navy has deployed a destroyer to the area, and communication with the crew has been intermittent. This is a developing story; more information will follow as it emerges.
