DUBAI: A ship was struck and damaged by an “unknown projectile” in the Red Sea, a British maritime agency said on Thursday, following months of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

“The master of the vessel reports being hit by unknown projectile and the vessel has sustained damage, no fires or casualties reported,” said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which is run by the British navy.

The ship, which was not identified, also reported two more explosions nearby as it came under attack 70 nautical miles southwest of Hodeida, which is held by the Iran-backed Houthis, UKMTO said.

“The crew are reported safe. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity,” the agency added.

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The Houthis, part of the “axis of resistance” of Iran-linked groups, have targeted ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November in what they describe as support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.

The attacks have seriously disrupted the vital trade route and triggered reprisal strikes by the United States and Britain against rebel targets in Yemen.