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NCC Masa
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NCC Masa

Saudi-flagged tanker (IMO 9688336) struck off Al-Shuqaiq on 24 July, sustaining minor damage.

NCC Masa is a Saudi-flagged chemical tanker struck roughly 70 nautical miles southwest of Al-Shuqaiq on 24 July 2026, one of the first vessels hit after Houthi forces declared a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping.

Last refreshed: 19 August 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Is the NCC Masa strike the start of a Saudi shipping blockade?

Timeline for NCC Masa

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Background

NCC Masa is a Saudi-flagged chemical and oil products tanker, IMO number 9688336, built in 2014 and measuring 183 metres by 32 metres with a 49,990 deadweight tonnage. It sails under the National Chemical Carriers fleet, whose vessels take the NCC prefix.

The ship became notable on 24 July 2026, when it was struck about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al-Shuqaiq on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, sustaining minor hull damage but no crew injuries.

Outside that incident, NCC Masa has no independent significance; it is a commercial tanker whose profile is defined entirely by having been caught in the opening days of the Houthi blockade on Saudi-linked shipping.

Key Issues
Red Sea blockade

NCC Masa was struck off Al-Shuqaiq

NCC Masa took minor hull damage roughly 70 nautical miles southwest of Al-Shuqaiq on 24 July, with its crew unhurt; it carried out safety checks and continued to its destination rather than turning back.

The Saudi Press Agency put its name at the head of the blockade's target list, the first tanker struck after the Houthis' 20 July declaration, distinct from the Encelia and Layla hit two days earlier in the Bab al-Mandab. NCC Masa's own war record therefore begins here, and ends here too: no second strike or further mention of the vessel appears in the record since.

Common Questions

NCC Masa was struck off Al-Shuqaiq

Was the NCC Masa the first tanker hit in the Saudi blockade?
Yes. The Saudi Press Agency presented the 24 July strike as the first vessel hit since the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping on 20 July 2026.Source: Saudi Press Agency
Who operates the NCC Masa?
The NCC Masa is part of the National Chemical Carriers fleet, a chemical and oil products tanker built in 2014, roughly 183 metres long with a capacity of about 49,990 deadweight tonnes.Source: Lowdown reporting
What happened to the NCC Masa?
The Saudi-flagged tanker NCC Masa was struck about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al-Shuqaiq on 24 July 2026, taking minor hull damage; the crew were unhurt and the ship continued to its destination.Source: Saudi Press Agency
Was the crew of the NCC Masa hurt?
No. The crew were unhurt and the vessel continued to its destination after safety checks.Source: event
Is the NCC Masa the same ship as the Encelia or the Layla?
No. The NCC Masa is a different vessel, struck off Al-Shuqaiq on 24 July. The Encelia and Layla were hit two days earlier, on 22 July, in the Bab al-Mandab strait.Source: event