Deadly Houthi Attack Sinks Cargo Ship Near Yemen, Dozens Affected
YEMEN: In a devastating maritime incident, a cargo ship named MV Eternity C, flying the Liberian flag, was sunk in the Red Sea following a missile and boat attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The assault has left at least four crew members dead, while 15 others remain missing, according to international media reports.
The European Union Naval Force confirmed that six crew members were rescued safely. However, the rest remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue in the area.
Targeted Missile and Boat Attack by Houthis
The attack reportedly involved suicide boats and guided missiles, a tactic frequently employed by the Houthi militants in recent months. The rebel group officially claimed responsibility for the assault, declaring it an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the ship was heading toward Israel and the operation aimed to pressure Tel Aviv to halt its military campaign in Gaza.
Footage Released by Houthis Shows Explosions
A video released by the Houthi media arm displays dramatic footage of explosions onboard the vessel and chaos among the crew as they scrambled for safety. The footage also captured loudspeakers instructing crew evacuation and scenes of injured personnel receiving emergency aid before being moved to an undisclosed location.
U.S. Accuses Houthis of Kidnapping Crew Members
In a sharp response, the U.S. Mission to Yemen accused the Houthi group of abducting some of the surviving crew members. The U.S. has called for their immediate and unconditional release, warning that such acts violate international maritime laws.
Ship Sinks Near Houthi-Controlled Hodeidah
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and private maritime security firm Ambrey, the cargo vessel suffered catastrophic damage and eventually sank off the coast of Al-Hodeidah, a Yemeni port city under Houthi control.
The Eternity C incident is the latest in a series of maritime attacks in the Red Sea region, raising serious concerns about the safety of global shipping routes and the potential escalation of regional conflict.
International Condemnation and Maritime Concerns
The international community has strongly condemned the attack, with calls for increased naval protection for commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea. The area is one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, and continued instability threatens global supply chains and oil transportation routes.