Red Sea Shipping Chaos Worsens as US Strikes Broaden Crisis (1)

The US and UK’s decision to hit back at Houthi militants after weeks of attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea has only escalated the chaos across the shipping industry, underscoring the threat of an enduring supply-chain crisis as vessels navigate the crucial trade route.

On Wednesday, a third commodity carrier in three days was struck, this time by a drone. Senior officials in the shipping industry privately acknowledge that many crew are now frightened at the prospect of transit.

Shortly after the US and UK launched airstrikes at Houthi targets in Yemen — marking a step up from ...