Two US-Flagged Ships Carrying Defense Dept Material Safe After Houthi Attack

Two ships belonging to shipping giant Maersk's American subsidiary, the Maersk Detroit and the Maersk Chesapeake, reported themselves safe after being set to be escorted by the US Navy through Bab el-Mandeb and carrying material belonging to US government agencies, according to maritime news site gCaptain.

The Maersk Detroit and the Maersk Chesapeake are both enrolled in the US program meant to enlist American civilian vessels for assistance to US military efforts in specific contingencies and were therefore entitled to direct US naval protection.

Despite this, and the fact that the US Navy reportedly intercepted projectiles aimed at the two ships, the Maersk American line has made the decision to discontinue shipping in the region until further notice, citing the importance of protecting their crews from harm.