Following Houthi attacks that left one ship sunk and another severely damaged in the Red Sea, international efforts are underway to locate survivors. The aftermath of these assaults further threatens maritime security in the region, leading to international condemnation.
Search and Rescue Underway After Houthi Attacks on Cargo Ships in Red Sea
Search and Rescue Underway After Houthi Attacks on Cargo Ships in Red Sea
A second cargo ship, the Eternity C, was sunk by Houthi forces in just one week, prompting urgent search and rescue operations amidst rising maritime tensions.
The recent escalation in maritime violence in the Red Sea has seen substantial developments after the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels sank another cargo ship, the Eternity C, in a matter of days. The attack occurred on Monday, striking the Liberian-flagged vessel—operated by Greece—who reported losing propulsion after being hit by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats. Out of the 25 crew members aboard, ten were successfully rescued, while at least three fatalities have been confirmed, as per the European naval mission updates.
Rescue operations began promptly, although initial reports indicated ongoing hostilities that hindered efforts. The Houthis claimed that the Eternity C was targeted for allegedly attempting to reach Israeli ports, asserting that they had taken an unspecified number of crew members to a “safe location.” In response, the U.S. Embassy in Yemen accused the Houthis of kidnapping survivors and demanded their immediate release. Among the crew were 21 Filipinos, with reports confirming that a Russian national sustained severe injuries in the attack.
The situation escalated further when maritime security firm Diaplous shared footage illustrating the rescue operations, where survivors were spotted clinging to life in the water for over 24 hours. As of Wednesday night, a total of 10 crew members have been confirmed rescued, including three Filipinos and one Greek citizen.
This incident marks the second vessel attacked by the Houthis within a week, following their previous assault on another Liberian-flagged ship, the Magic Seas, which was successfully evacuated before it sank. In total, the Houthis have targeted approximately 70 merchant ships since November 2023, marking a critical security concern for international shipping lanes.
The U.S. State Department condemned these ongoing assaults on maritime commerce, labeling the actions of the Houthis as a terrorist threat to freedom of navigation. Leaders from the International Maritime Organization have echoed these sentiments, calling for enhanced diplomatic actions to restore security in the Red Sea and protect innocent seafarers amidst these violent confrontations.
As military tensions continue to rise, and Israel responds with air strikes against Houthi positions, the focus remains on humanitarian efforts to secure the release of kidnapped crew members and ensure maritime safety in these crucial shipping lanes.
Rescue operations began promptly, although initial reports indicated ongoing hostilities that hindered efforts. The Houthis claimed that the Eternity C was targeted for allegedly attempting to reach Israeli ports, asserting that they had taken an unspecified number of crew members to a “safe location.” In response, the U.S. Embassy in Yemen accused the Houthis of kidnapping survivors and demanded their immediate release. Among the crew were 21 Filipinos, with reports confirming that a Russian national sustained severe injuries in the attack.
The situation escalated further when maritime security firm Diaplous shared footage illustrating the rescue operations, where survivors were spotted clinging to life in the water for over 24 hours. As of Wednesday night, a total of 10 crew members have been confirmed rescued, including three Filipinos and one Greek citizen.
This incident marks the second vessel attacked by the Houthis within a week, following their previous assault on another Liberian-flagged ship, the Magic Seas, which was successfully evacuated before it sank. In total, the Houthis have targeted approximately 70 merchant ships since November 2023, marking a critical security concern for international shipping lanes.
The U.S. State Department condemned these ongoing assaults on maritime commerce, labeling the actions of the Houthis as a terrorist threat to freedom of navigation. Leaders from the International Maritime Organization have echoed these sentiments, calling for enhanced diplomatic actions to restore security in the Red Sea and protect innocent seafarers amidst these violent confrontations.
As military tensions continue to rise, and Israel responds with air strikes against Houthi positions, the focus remains on humanitarian efforts to secure the release of kidnapped crew members and ensure maritime safety in these crucial shipping lanes.
