Trafigura oil tanker was hit by Houthi armed missile and caught fire in the Red Sea

An oil tanker operated by trading giant Trafigura was hit by a missile as it sailed through the Red Sea, in the most significant attack yet on a tanker by Yemen's Houthi rebels. "The ship's firefighting equipment is being deployed to suppress and contain a fire in a cargo hold on the starboard side," a Trafigura spokesman said in a statement. "We remain in contact with the ship and are closely monitoring the situation. Warships in the area are en route to assist."

An oil tanker operated by trading giant Trafigura was hit by a missile as it sailed through the Red Sea, in the most significant attack yet on a tanker by Yemen's Houthi rebels. "The ship's firefighting equipment is being deployed to suppress and contain a fire in a cargo hold on the starboard side," a Trafigura spokesman said in a statement. "We remain in contact with the ship and are closely monitoring the situation. Warships in the area are en route to assist."

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack on Marlin Luanda. The ship was carrying naphtha, which is used in the production of gasoline and plastics.

Global benchmark Brent crude oil rose to a two-month high.

The British Navy said the relevant authorities were responding and advised ships to use caution in the Red Sea. Maritime intelligence company Ambrey Analytics said the attack occurred about 55 miles southeast of Aden, Yemen.