The search for survivors continues after a cargo ship, the Eternity C, was attacked and sunk by Yemen's Houthi militants in the Red Sea, highlighting the rising maritime threats in this conflict-ridden region. At least ten crew members were rescued, while reports confirm that up to four individuals have lost their lives following the attack, according to European naval authorities.
The attack took place on Monday, when the Eternity C, sailing under a Liberian flag and operated by a Greek company, was struck by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats. This incident followed a similar attack just days earlier, during which the Houthis had reportedly fired missiles at another cargo vessel, the Magic Seas, prompting widespread condemnation from the U.S. and international maritime organizations.
Houthi officials claimed the strikes were targeted actions against ships purportedly heading towards Israel. In response, the U.S. State Department condemned these acts, emphasizing the need for international collective action to protect maritime security and the freedom of navigation in these waters. A spokesperson called the assaults by the Iran-aligned group a direct threat to regional economic stability.
The search for additional survivors has been complicated, as the Houthis announced they had relocated some crew members reportedly to a “safe location,” a claim contested by U.S. officials who accused them of kidnapping survivors. Among the crew members, 21 were reported to be from the Philippines, with one Russian national suffering severe injuries.
The Italian maritime security firm Diaplous confirmed the successful rescue of individuals who had spent over 24 hours in the ocean. They are committed to ongoing recovery efforts, vowing to search until the last light. As maritime incidents grow, the call for diplomatic intervention has intensified. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), denounced the attacks and highlighted their implications for international law and regional safety.
This heightened violence marks a troubling resurgence in hostile maritime actions following a relatively peaceful period after a ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and U.S. officials in May—a deal that has not extended to include attacks against Israel. The situation remains tense, with further military actions anticipated in the coming days.
The attack took place on Monday, when the Eternity C, sailing under a Liberian flag and operated by a Greek company, was struck by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats. This incident followed a similar attack just days earlier, during which the Houthis had reportedly fired missiles at another cargo vessel, the Magic Seas, prompting widespread condemnation from the U.S. and international maritime organizations.
Houthi officials claimed the strikes were targeted actions against ships purportedly heading towards Israel. In response, the U.S. State Department condemned these acts, emphasizing the need for international collective action to protect maritime security and the freedom of navigation in these waters. A spokesperson called the assaults by the Iran-aligned group a direct threat to regional economic stability.
The search for additional survivors has been complicated, as the Houthis announced they had relocated some crew members reportedly to a “safe location,” a claim contested by U.S. officials who accused them of kidnapping survivors. Among the crew members, 21 were reported to be from the Philippines, with one Russian national suffering severe injuries.
The Italian maritime security firm Diaplous confirmed the successful rescue of individuals who had spent over 24 hours in the ocean. They are committed to ongoing recovery efforts, vowing to search until the last light. As maritime incidents grow, the call for diplomatic intervention has intensified. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), denounced the attacks and highlighted their implications for international law and regional safety.
This heightened violence marks a troubling resurgence in hostile maritime actions following a relatively peaceful period after a ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and U.S. officials in May—a deal that has not extended to include attacks against Israel. The situation remains tense, with further military actions anticipated in the coming days.
