The organization previously reported that the vessel had been fired upon from several smaller vessels, and that its armed security force had returned fire. The vessel is also said to have been attacked with drones that triggered a fire on board.
The vessel has been identified as the Liberia-flagged tanker Magic Seas. The Greek owner has not commented on the incident.
Hodeida is controlled by the Houthi rebels who have attacked commercial vessels in the area after the Gaza war broke out. The attack is the first serious one against a vessel in the area in a while. It comes at a sensitive time when new negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway, and Iran is considering new talks about its nuclear energy program.
"It is likely intended as a message that the Houthis still have the capacity and will to strike strategic maritime targets, regardless of diplomatic efforts," writes analyst Mohammed al-Basha at the US-based risk analysis firm Basha Report.
The private maritime security company Ambrey has issued a warning. According to Ambrey, the incident may mark a greater escalation. The US military says it is aware of the attack.
No group has yet taken responsibility for the deed.
