The Palau-flagged merchant ship Verbena reported "damage and fires on board" following the shelling, with one sailor seriously wounded, stated US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a communiqué.
US forces evacuated the injured sailor to a "nearby partner ship" for medical attention. A firefight is currently underway on board.
The Verbena, owned by a Ukrainian company and operated by a Polish firm, had recently anchored in Malaysia and was en route to Italy with a cargo of timber for construction purposes.
This attack marks the second assault by the Iranian-backed Houthis on the vessel within 24 hours.
(jh)
Source: IAR