NASA satellite images appear to show the Saudi-flagged tanker Enseria (IMO: 9240172) on fire in the Red Sea, after Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis claimed they collided with two Saudi oil tankers early Thursday morning local time.
According to an analysis of shipping data by CNN, the bright dots visible in the image match the location where Encelia was broadcasting via its Automatic Identification System (AIS). Satellite images from the previous day showed no such bright spot at that location, indicating that this bright spot is new.
The Saudi state news agency reported that the Enseria was “targeted while sailing in the Red Sea” and suffered a “fire in the bow”, citing an unnamed official at the General Transport Authority.
“All crew members are safe,” the report said.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” 70 nautical miles southwest of the Saudi town of Al Shuqaiq, “causing a fire on board.”
UKMTO did not reveal the ship’s name, but the position they provided matched both the bright spot seen on satellite images and the AIS position that Ensselia was broadcasting.
NASA’s VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) sensor captures low light and thermal radiation at night and is sensitive enough to detect fires.
According to Reuters, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Salih said they would “continue naval operations” against Saudi Arabia and continue implementing “the ‘encirclement for encirclement’ equation.”
CNN’s Rex Harvey contributed reporting.
