Devastating Attack on Eternity C Shocks Maritime Community
In a harrowing incident earlier this month, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militants launched a deadly attack on the Eternity C, a Greek-operated bulk carrier sailing under the Liberian flag in the Red Sea. The assault, which took place in early July, involved sea drones, RPGs, and gunfire, resulting in the sinking of the vessel. At least three of the 25 crew members on board were killed, and the fate of many others remains uncertain as rescue operations continue.
The Houthis released footage of the attack, claiming the ship was targeted due to its alleged route to the Israeli port of Eilat. This incident marks a significant escalation in the group's campaign against commercial shipping in the region, which they have linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The brutality of the hours-long assault has drawn international condemnation and raised urgent concerns about the safety of maritime routes in the Red Sea.
Rescue Operations and Crew Status Amidst Uncertainty
Following the sinking of the Eternity C, rescue efforts were swiftly initiated to locate over a dozen missing crew members. As of July 28, the Houthis claimed to have rescued 11 seafarers, with two requiring hospital treatment, according to video footage broadcast by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. However, reports indicate that 10 crew members are still being held by the group, and their freedom remains unclear.
Initial reports from mid-July confirmed that six crew members were pulled alive from the water, while four additional survivors were rescued after 48 hours adrift. Despite these efforts, 11 crew members are still unaccounted for, with fears that some may have been kidnapped by the Houthis. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen, operating out of Saudi Arabia, has expressed concern over the potential abduction of seafarers, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by those caught in the conflict.
Pattern of Attacks Signals Growing Threat in Red Sea
The attack on the Eternity C is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern of Houthi aggression in the Red Sea. Just days prior, on July 6, the Magic Seas, another Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, was struck and sunk in a coordinated assault involving explosive boats, cruise missiles, and drones. The crew of the Magic Seas was rescued, but the loss of the ship and its cargo underscores the severe economic and human toll of these attacks.
The surge in hostilities follows a period of relative calm, potentially signaling a revival of the Houthis' campaign tied to the Gaza war. International maritime security firms and governments are now grappling with how to protect vital shipping lanes amidst escalating threats. The repeated targeting of vessels linked to Israel or Western interests has heightened tensions, prompting calls for stronger naval presence and diplomatic efforts to curb the violence in this critical waterway.