The vessel was docked and unloading cargo at the time at the terminal, which is currently under Houthi control.
According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the tanker was hit by shrapnel from nearby explosions but suffered no major damage. All 26 crew members—four Turkish nationals, including the captain, and 22 Indian nationals—are reported to be safe.
Middle East Eye’s Türkiye bureau chief Ragip Soylu also confirmed the incident. Following the strike, Turkish diplomatic authorities, including the Foreign Ministry and the Turkish Embassy in Sanaa, launched efforts to secure the crew's safety and facilitate the vessel’s release.
Despite the calm situation on the ground, Houthi authorities have reportedly denied departure clearance to all vessels at the port, including the Turkish tanker, which has been directed to a designated waiting area near the terminal.
The U.S. airstrikes are part of ongoing operations targeting Houthi positions. The incident underscores persistent risks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea region amid heightened tensions linked to the conflict in Gaza.
