RIYADH, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A Saudi company-owned tanker was hit and caught fire while sailing in the Red Sea, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday, citing an official source at Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority (TGA).

The source said the attack caused a consequent fire at the ship's bow and all crew members aboard the vessel, Encelia, were safe. Relevant authorities in the Gulf country have taken all necessary measures to secure the vessel and its crew, and protect the marine environment, it said.

In a statement aired Thursday, Yemen's Houthi group said it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, identified as Encelia and Layla, using "ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones," claiming that the vessels had violated its recently announced maritime restrictions.