On August 3, 2024, the Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on the Liberian-flagged container ship Groton while it was traversing the Gulf of Aden. This incident marked the first assault in two weeks, after a brief period of calm in the Red Sea corridor. The missile struck the vessel above the waterline, causing minor damage but fortunately no injuries to the crew. The ship was able to divert to a nearby port for repairs.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of a broader campaign by the Houthis targeting maritime vessels in response to regional tensions. In particular, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The recent attack highlights the ongoing threat to shipping in the Red Sea, which has led many to divert from the route. Instead, choosing to avoid the potential danger and take the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. While safer, the longer route continues to have adverse effects on transit time and overall schedule integrity. It has also soaked up excess vessel capacity forcing rates higher on most trade lanes.

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