Loss Prevention Advice
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Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have threatened new attacks on ships in the Red Sea, amid rising tensions with the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s warning of potential military action over Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.
In a short video, the Houthis showed previously released footage of a ship on fire with the ominous caption: “Soon.” While no further details were provided, the group has previously attacked over 100 vessels in the Red Sea, a campaign they said aimed to pressure Israel over its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The attacks paused after a ceasefire, but the Houthis have repeatedly warned they could resume if necessary. As reported, the threat comes as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided missile destroyers move into the region.
Trump has described the deployment as a precautionary measure “just in case” he decides to take action against Iran.
A video to the following link.
According to Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory, EOS Risk Group, in a separate video, Houthi spokesman Brigadier Yahya Saree reinforced the message and affirmed continued Houthi support for Palestine: “With the escalation of possibilities of launching a military strike against Iran, we affirm our position: our dear Yemeni people, with its great people and its faithful leadership, its mujahideen army, and its stand alongside any Arab or Islamic country exposed to Zionist aggression or deciding to confront this aggression in self-defence, or supporting and aiding the mujahideen in the Palestinian resistance. We will not abandon our brothers in the Gaza Strip, and we will not allow this criminal entity, supported by America, to implement its plans in the region”.
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Over the past week, 20-26 January, one CAT 4 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
As informed, on 16 January 2026 at 0600 hours, a bulk carrier anchored in Batangas, Philippines, was targeted in an incident involving unknown perpetrators. The assailants’ number and weapons used were not reported, and the treatment of the crew remains unspecified. The event has been assessed as a Category 4 incident, with unsecured items reported stolen.
Area of concern
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The latest instalment of their Good Catch series, highlighting the importance of effective deck maintenance and heightened awareness, especially around hydraulic equipment.
A crew member seriously injured his knee when he slipped on some oil on an exterior deck. He had to be medically evacuated from the vessel by helicopter and taken to a hospital. The investigation determined that the drain plug in the containment around a hydraulic winch was not in place. Additionally, the drain hole was so heavily corroded that a plug would not fit securely even if it were there.
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A list of a set of amendments to key IMO treaties and Codes have entered into force on 1 January 2026.
Generally, 2026 boasts a wide variety of regulatory updates and amendments coming into force throughout the year. Amendments coming into force in January include updates to seafarer training and certification, vessel operation and equipment standards, reporting requirements, fire and lifesaving measures, and the carriage of hazardous cargo. Thus, IMO has provided the following list:
Preventing and responding to bullying, harassment and sexual assault
Amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) aim to prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
The amendments are included in table A-VI/1-4 (Specification of minimum standard of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities) of the STCW Code. They outline new mandatory minimum requirements for basic training and instruction for seafarers.
These will equip seafarers with knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and information on how to prevent and respond to incidents.