Satellite imagery from NASA appears to show the Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia (IMO: 9240172) on fire in the Red Sea, following claims by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis that they struck two Saudi oil tankers early Thursday morning local time.
The bright spot visible in the image matches the location the Encelia was broadcasting via its Automatic Identification System (AIS), according to a CNN analysis of shipping data. A satellite image from the previous day showed no such bright spot at that location, indicating the bright spot is new.
The Encelia was “targeted while sailing in the Red Sea,” causing “a fire on the vessel’s bow,” Saudi State News Agency reported, 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 a tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” 70 nautical miles southwest of the Saudi Arabian town of Al Shuqaiq, which “caused a fire onboard.”
The UKMTO did not provide the name of the ship, however, the location they provided matches both the bright spot seen in the satellite imagery and the AIS position the Encelia was broadcasting.
NASA’s VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) sensor captures low-light and thermal emissions at night, making it sensitive enough to detect fires.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said they will “continue their naval operations” against Saudi Arabia and “persist in enforcing “a siege for a siege’ equation,” according to Reuters news agency.
CNN’s Lex Harvey contributed reporting.
