Shells of unknown origin hit a ship 83 nautical miles (about 150 km) southeast of Aden, Britain's Maritime Trade Office and Ambri company said, as cited by Reuters.
The name of the stricken vessel was not released, but no crew members were reported injured. Authorities called on ship crews in the area to report suspicious activities, BTA quoted.
Since November, the Yemeni Houthis have been carrying out drone and missile strikes on vessels plying the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden sea lanes. The Houthis said their actions were a show of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Since February, Britain and the US have retaliated by shooting down drones and bombing sites in Yemen from which the Houthis launch their attacks.