Red Sea Tragedy: Houthi Strike Leaves 4 Dead, 15 Missing
At least four sailors have been confirmed dead and 15 others are missing after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, the Eternity C, sank in the Red Sea following an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Greek-owned vessel was reportedly targeted with explosives and gunfire on Monday night as it sailed towards the Suez Canal.
A European Union naval force said six crew members, including five Filipinos and one Indian, were rescued.
The ship was attacked near Yemen’s Hodeidah port, a territory under Houthi control.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying the assault was in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and aimed at pressuring Israel.
The group’s spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed the vessel was headed to Israel and said some rescued crew members were given medical care and moved to a safe location.
However, the US Mission in Yemen accused the Houthis of kidnapping the survivors and demanded their immediate release.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that the vessel sustained “significant damage” and lost propulsion before sinking.
UK-based security firm Ambrey confirmed the incident occurred off the coast of Hodeidah.
A video released by the Houthis appears to show the moments before and during the strike, including a call for evacuation and visible explosions on board.
The incident marks the first deadly attack on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since June 2024 and follows the sinking of another Liberian-flagged ship, Magic Seas, just a day earlier. All its crew survived.
Both ships were operated by Greek companies, and the attacks have sparked concern among international shipping bodies.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO condemned the assault, calling it a “callous disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers” and urged nations to boost maritime security in the region.
The U.S. State Department, EU military forces, and Yemen’s exiled government blamed the Houthis before the group’s claim of responsibility.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the attack “demonstrates the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose to freedom of navigation.”
Though Washington struck a ceasefire deal with the Houthis in May, the group insisted it only covered U.S.-linked ships, not those associated with Israel.
Following the Magic Seas attack, the Houthis declared that vessels tied to Israel were “legitimate targets” until the Gaza blockade is lifted.
The Eternity C was reportedly attacked by small boats and explosive drones, while onboard security guards returned fire.
Its operator, Cosmoship Management, has yet to comment on the casualties.
If verified, the four deaths would be the first Red Sea shipping fatalities in over a year.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
