In a concerning escalation of maritime violence, ten crew members have been saved while at least three are dead after the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C was attacked by the Iranian-backed Houthis and subsequently sank in the Red Sea. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that this vessel, operated by Greek interests, lost all propulsion after being hit by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats on Monday. Search and rescue operations commenced overnight as the situation unfolded.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they targeted the Eternity C as it was allegedly heading toward Israel, and confirmed that some crew members were taken to a "safe location." The U.S. embassy in Yemen stated that numerous surviving crew members were reportedly kidnapped by the Houthis and urged for their immediate release. Among the 25 crew on board, 21 were from the Philippines, and one Russian national suffered severe injuries, reportedly losing a leg during the attack.
The European Union's naval mission, Operation Aspides, announced that four more crew members were rescued on Wednesday night, increasing the total rescued to ten, including three Filipinos and one Greek. Maritime security firm Diaplous released a video showing the dramatic rescue of at least five crew members who had spent over 24 hours in the water. Diaplous vowed to continue searching for any remaining crew until sunset.
This incident follows another Houthi attack just a week prior, where a different cargo ship, Magic Seas, was sunk. In that case, all 22 crew members were successfully rescued by a passing merchant vessel. Since the beginning of November, the Houthis have reportedly targeted approximately 70 merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in the sinking of four ships and fatalities among at least seven crew members.
The Houthi group claims its actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians amid ongoing conflict with Israel and have asserted that they are specifically targeting vessels with ties to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. The U.S. State Department has condemned the attacks, highlighting the threat posed to international maritime security.
As tensions escalate, Israel's military also reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, adding to concerns over regional security. In light of these alarming developments, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization has called for increased diplomatic efforts to address the resurgence of attacks in the Red Sea, signaling a potential return to hostilities that threaten innocent lives and global shipping avenues.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they targeted the Eternity C as it was allegedly heading toward Israel, and confirmed that some crew members were taken to a "safe location." The U.S. embassy in Yemen stated that numerous surviving crew members were reportedly kidnapped by the Houthis and urged for their immediate release. Among the 25 crew on board, 21 were from the Philippines, and one Russian national suffered severe injuries, reportedly losing a leg during the attack.
The European Union's naval mission, Operation Aspides, announced that four more crew members were rescued on Wednesday night, increasing the total rescued to ten, including three Filipinos and one Greek. Maritime security firm Diaplous released a video showing the dramatic rescue of at least five crew members who had spent over 24 hours in the water. Diaplous vowed to continue searching for any remaining crew until sunset.
This incident follows another Houthi attack just a week prior, where a different cargo ship, Magic Seas, was sunk. In that case, all 22 crew members were successfully rescued by a passing merchant vessel. Since the beginning of November, the Houthis have reportedly targeted approximately 70 merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in the sinking of four ships and fatalities among at least seven crew members.
The Houthi group claims its actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians amid ongoing conflict with Israel and have asserted that they are specifically targeting vessels with ties to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. The U.S. State Department has condemned the attacks, highlighting the threat posed to international maritime security.
As tensions escalate, Israel's military also reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, adding to concerns over regional security. In light of these alarming developments, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization has called for increased diplomatic efforts to address the resurgence of attacks in the Red Sea, signaling a potential return to hostilities that threaten innocent lives and global shipping avenues.
