Al-Masira, a Yemeni Houthi-ran broadcaster, said two air strikes had targeted the port of Issa, which is Yemen’s largest oil export terminal.
The USS Carney, a French frigate and the Indian missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam responded to the Marlin Luanda’s mayday signal.
The Indian Navy said 22 Indians and one Bangladeshi national were on board.
Attacks ‘completely unacceptable’
A British government spokesman said on Friday night: “We are aware of reports that the motor vessel Marlin Luanda, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, has sustained damage from attack in the Gulf of Aden. Current reports suggest no casualties and nearby coalition vessels are on the scene.
“We have been clear that any attacks on commercial shipping are completely unacceptable and that the UK and our allies reserve the right to respond appropriately.”
Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, condemned the “intolerable and illegal” attack on “innocent people and global trade”.
“It is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever,” he said.
