Maritime security sources said this was a sign of growing desperation to avoid attack by Houthi commandos or deadly drones - but they also thought it was unlikely to make any difference.

Six crew members have been rescued and at least three others killed after a cargo ship was attacked by Yemen's Houthis and sank in the Red Sea, a European naval mission says.

Greece's Cosmoship Management on Thursday said one person is believed dead and four more have not been seen since Houthi militants attacked and sank the Eternity C cargo ship in the Red Sea this week.