In brief
In the aftermath of a Houthi missile attack that sank the cargo ship Eternity C, search and rescue operations have saved ten crew members while authorities report casualties. This marks the second attack on commercial vessels in a week by the Iran-backed Houthis, raising concerns over maritime security.
Ten crew members have been rescued, with at least three dead, following an assault by Yemen's Houthis on the cargo ship Eternity C, which sank in the Red Sea. The attack, attributed to rocket-propelled grenades from small boats, severely damaged the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel on Monday, leading to the loss of propulsion. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed the ship had 25 crew aboard during the incident. The Houthis declared the attack was due to the ship's purported course toward Israel, while reports from the US embassy suggested that they have taken several crew members captive. Of the crew, 21 are from the Philippines, and one Russian national was critically injured, losing a leg in the assault. The European Union's naval mission in the region, Operation Aspides, announced the successful rescues of additional crew members on Wednesday, increasing the number saved to ten.This incident is the second such attack in a week, following the sinking of another vessel, the Magic Seas, which the Houthis claimed was linked to a company violating their blockade of ports tied to Israel. All 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were successfully rescued, as recorded by a nearby merchant ship.Since November 2023, the Houthis have reportedly targeted around 70 vessels in the Red Sea, sinking four and causing multiple fatalities among crew members. The group supports Palestinian causes in the ongoing conflict with Israel, claiming to only target ships associated with nations involved in operations against Yemen.The US State Department condemned the attacks, emphasizing the threat posed to maritime security in the region, and vowing to protect freedom of navigation. Meanwhile, Israel's military confirmed that its air force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, adding to the conflict's complexity.International maritime organization officials have urged heightened diplomatic measures, labeling the renewed attacks as a violation of international law and harmful to innocent seafarers and regional populations.
