On Monday, Yemen's Houthis attacked the Greek-operated Eternity C in the Red Sea, leading to fatalities and a rescue mission for survivors. This incident follows their prior assault on another cargo ship, raising concerns over maritime security in the region.
Search and Rescue Operations Underway After Houthi Attacks Sink Cargo Ships in Red Sea
Search and Rescue Operations Underway After Houthi Attacks Sink Cargo Ships in Red Sea
The ongoing conflict in Yemen escalates as Houthis sink a second cargo ship in a week, prompting international condemnation and search efforts for missing crew members.
The recent attack by Yemen's Houthi forces on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C has led to tragic consequences, with six crew members rescued and at least three confirmed dead. The Eternity C encountered significant damage and lost power after being struck by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats, according to reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). In total, 25 crew members were onboard at the time of the attack.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they targeted the ship due to its alleged course towards Israel. In a statement, the group mentioned that they had taken an unspecified number of crew members to a "safe location." The U.S. embassy in Yemen has denounced the actions of the Houthis, labeling them as kidnappings and demanding the immediate release of the survivors.
Among the crew are reportedly 21 Filipino nationals and one severely injured Russian member, who lost a leg in the incident. This skirmish represents the second maritime attack by the Houthis in a week; the previous incident involved the Greek-operated Magic Seas, which was also targeted under claims of breaching an entry ban into Israeli-controlled ports. Fortunately, all 22 crew members aboard that ship managed to escape unharmed.
Since November, an alarming trend has emerged, with the Houthis launching attacks against approximately 70 merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Approximately four ships have been sunk and one seized, resulting in the deaths of at least seven crew members. The group has justified their hostilities as actions taken in support of Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming to exclusively target vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K.
In response to the latest attack, the European Union’s naval operation, Operation Aspides, has joined international efforts to locate any remaining missing crew members. As of Wednesday, six crew members were rescued, five being Filipino and one Indian, while reports indicated that 19 individuals were still unaccounted for. The maritime security firm Diaplous released footage showcasing the rescue efforts for survivors who had been adrift for over 24 hours.
Condemning the attacks, the U.S. State Department reiterated the necessity to safeguard freedom of navigation and commercial shipping against Houthi threats, emphasizing that these actions undermine both regional and maritime security. Following an earlier ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the U.S., hostilities have surged once more, demonstrating a precarious balance in the region. The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has called for enhanced diplomatic initiatives, characterizing the renewed attacks as violations of international law and a threat to essential maritime operations, lamenting the impact on innocent seafarers and coastal communities.
