Two Crew Lost in Red Sea Attacks on Greek-Operated Ships by Yemen's Houthi Rebels
Two crew members were reported dead after the Greek managed, Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C was attacked by sea drones and speedboats off Yemen on Monday evening. This attack was the latest in a series of assaults on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, claimed by Yemen's Houthi group. The group also took responsibility for a strike on another Greek-operated vessel, the MV Magic Seas, a day earlier, leading to a renewed wave of concern over the safety of cargo ships in the region.
Background and Context
The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been increasingly targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, a vital shipping corridor. The attack on Eternity C was the second assault by the Houthis against merchant vessels in this region since November 2024, according to an official at the European Union’s Operation Aspides, assigned to help protect Red Sea shipping. The recent attack ended half a year of calm in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks from the end of 2023 through late 2024 had disrupted shipping between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal.
Details of the Attacks
The attack on Eternity C occurred 50 nautical miles southwest of the port of Hodeidah. The vessel was targeted by drones and speedboats, leading to the death of two crew members and leaving two missing. The Houthi group also claimed responsibility for the attack on the MV Magic Seas earlier, stating that the ship had sunk. However, the United Arab Emirates successfully rescued all 22 people aboard the Magic Seas after responding to a distress call following the attack.
The Houthi's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that their naval force had targeted the Eternity C in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and claimed the vessel was headed towards Eilat in Israel.
Reactions and Implications
These attacks have provoked international concern and military response. Israel, in reaction to the suspected Houthi attack on the Liberian-flagged ship, exchanged missile fire with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting the group's ports and other facilities. These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies,
the Israeli military said.
The UAE has also been involved in rescue efforts, aiding the crew of the Magic Seas post-attack. The European Union naval mission in the Red Sea confirmed the recovery of six crew members from the Eternity C.
Current Status
Rescue operations continue for the crew of the Eternity C. While six crew members have been recovered, the search for the remaining 15 continues. The loss of the two crew members this week brings the total number of seafarers killed in attacks on vessels in the Red Sea to six since June 2024. Tensions remain high in the region, with these recent attacks marking a resumption of hostility after a period of relative calm.