In a plot twist that even the saltiest of sailors wouldn't have predicted, the commercial ship M/V Verbena was struck twice by Houthi-fired cruise missiles in the Gulf of Aden (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024). Let's just say, next time someone says "a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor," the crew of this ship will have some choice words.

The M/V Verbena is a testament to global teamwork: flagged in Palau, owned by Ukrainians, and operated by Poles. It was on a straightforward mission to transport wood from Malaysia to Italy. Nobody signed up for surprise aerial firework displays along the way (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024).

As if being attacked twice wasn't enough excitement for one voyage, the assault set the M/V Verbena on fire and severely injured one civilian mariner. Enter the U.S. helicopter from the USS Philippine Sea, swooping in to airlift the wounded mariner to another nearby ship for treatment. When distress calls traveled faster than gourmet hotdogs at a baseball game, it was all hands on deck (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024).

Adding to the barrage of confirmations, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported an attacked vessel had indeed caught fire (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024). Meanwhile, private security firm Ambrey confirmed that a merchant vessel made a radio distress call, likely in tones suggesting the understatement of the century (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024).

Claiming the attack on the M/V Verbena, the Houthis evidently decided to go for a hat-trick by targeting two other ships in the Red Sea. Since November, they've launched over 50 attacks on shipping, which must make sea captains feel like they're taking a leisurely cruise through a minefield (NBC, June 14, 2024). Three sailors have lost their lives, one vessel has been seized, and another has been sunk in these campaigns (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024).

The Houthis' strategy, of course, isn't just to win the 'Most Unwelcome Guests at Sea' award. They've been targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor as part of their campaign over the Israel-Hamas war (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024). The U.S. Maritime Administration has been diligently monitoring these developments and handing out advisories like they’re going out of style (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024).

In an effort to corner the market on causing international discomfort, the Houthis have recently detained staff of United Nations agencies and aid groups. Just this month, three staff members from the Washington-based National Democratic Institute found themselves in unplanned "meetings" as part of the Houthis' broadening crackdown (Fox News, June 14, 2024; NBC, June 14, 2024).

So as the M/V Verbena steams toward Italy—hopefully missile-free for the remainder of its journey—the maritime world is left to ponder the hazards of international shipping. Here's hoping that the next time a cargo vessel heads through these turbulent waters, all they're carrying is a shipment of hope and an extra helping of luck.