Iranian-Backed Houthis Sink Second Merchant Vessel in a Week
At least three crew members are confirmed dead, and 19 are still missing after the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C was sunk in the Red Sea by Houthi militants. This marks the second merchant vessel destroyed by the Iran-backed group in just one week, as tensions escalate in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The attack, which began Monday with rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats, left the vessel severely damaged and without propulsion. It continued into Tuesday, prompting a search and rescue operation coordinated by international naval forces, including the EU’s Operation Aspides and private maritime security firms.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating the ship was targeted for heading toward Israel. Since November 2023, the group has launched attacks on nearly 70 commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, using drones, missiles, and small boats. So far, four ships have been sunk, one seized, and at least seven seafarers killed.
International Naval Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Operation Aspides confirmed the recovery of six survivors—five Filipinos and one Indian. A video released by the Greek-based security firm Diaplous showed the dramatic rescue of seafarers who had spent over 24 hours adrift. “We will continue to search for the remaining crew until the last light,” the firm stated.
The Philippines reported that 21 of the 25 crew members aboard were its nationals. One Russian crew member was seriously injured, losing a leg during the assault. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen accused the Houthis of abducting several survivors and demanded their immediate release.
This incident follows the sinking of another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ship, Magic Seas, just days earlier. The Houthis claimed the ship had violated a self-declared ban on entering Israeli ports. All 22 crew aboard Magic Seas were rescued by another merchant vessel.
Video footage released by the Houthis showed armed militants boarding the ship and setting off explosives, leading to its sinking. The U.S. State Department condemned both attacks, calling them threats to maritime trade and global economic stability.
In a related development, Israel’s military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday, without further details.
The Houthis had agreed to a ceasefire with the U.S. in May after weeks of retaliatory strikes. However, the group stated that the agreement excluded actions against Israel. The International Maritime Organization’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, condemned the latest escalation: “These attacks violate international law and endanger innocent seafarers.”
