In a recent string of maritime assaults, ten crew members have been rescued while at least three have died following the sinking of a cargo ship by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The attack on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel named Eternity C occurred when it was struck by rocket-propelled grenades from small boats on Monday, leading to significant damage and a loss of propulsion as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency.
Houthi Attacks in Red Sea: Survivors Sought After Cargo Ship Sunk Amidst Ongoing Violence
Houthi Attacks in Red Sea: Survivors Sought After Cargo Ship Sunk Amidst Ongoing Violence
Tensions escalate as Houthis target merchant vessels in the Red Sea, leaving multiple casualties and prompting international calls for action.
The Houthi militants claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that the ship was en route to Israel. The group has since reported taking some crew members to a safe location, which the US embassy in Yemen has characterized as kidnappings, demanding their immediate release. Among the crew of 25 were 21 Filipinos and one severely injured Russian national, who lost a leg due to the attack.
Following the assault, a European naval mission, Operation Aspides, is coordinating search and rescue efforts in the Red Sea. By Wednesday night, ten individuals had been rescued, which included a mix of Filipinos and Greek citizens. Maritime security firm Diaplous released a video highlighting the dramatic rescue of five seafarers, who had spent more than 24 hours in the water.
This incident marks the second shipping vessel sunk by the Houthis in just one week. Previously, they had targeted another Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Magic Seas, resulting in its sinking. All 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were successfully rescued. The Houthi group has reiterated that its actions are meant to support Palestinian causes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The recent attacks have raised significant concern about rampant threats to maritime safety and regional security. The US State Department condemned both attacks, emphasizing the need for collective international action against what they termed "Houthi terrorist attacks." Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization has called for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the area.
In another related incident, Israel's military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, illustrating the escalating conflict dynamics in the region. The complex web of tensions follows a previously reached US-mediated ceasefire agreement, which, according to the Houthis, did not extend security to Israeli interests.
As the search for missing crew continues, the situation remains dire for innocent seafarers caught in the crossfire of escalating hostilities.
Following the assault, a European naval mission, Operation Aspides, is coordinating search and rescue efforts in the Red Sea. By Wednesday night, ten individuals had been rescued, which included a mix of Filipinos and Greek citizens. Maritime security firm Diaplous released a video highlighting the dramatic rescue of five seafarers, who had spent more than 24 hours in the water.
This incident marks the second shipping vessel sunk by the Houthis in just one week. Previously, they had targeted another Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Magic Seas, resulting in its sinking. All 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were successfully rescued. The Houthi group has reiterated that its actions are meant to support Palestinian causes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The recent attacks have raised significant concern about rampant threats to maritime safety and regional security. The US State Department condemned both attacks, emphasizing the need for collective international action against what they termed "Houthi terrorist attacks." Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization has called for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the area.
In another related incident, Israel's military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, illustrating the escalating conflict dynamics in the region. The complex web of tensions follows a previously reached US-mediated ceasefire agreement, which, according to the Houthis, did not extend security to Israeli interests.
As the search for missing crew continues, the situation remains dire for innocent seafarers caught in the crossfire of escalating hostilities.
