A Greek-operated cargo vessel, Eternity C, has sunk in the Red Sea following two consecutive attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking one of the most serious maritime security incidents in the region this year. The vessel, sailing under the Liberian flag, was carrying 22 crew members and three armed guards when it was targeted.
The first attack took place on July 7 near the port of Hodeida in Yemen. The vessel was struck by a combination of rocket-propelled grenades, aerial drones, and speedboats. The attack left the ship heavily damaged and listing. Despite being immobilized, the Eternity C remained afloat until a second wave of attacks was launched on July 9. Bomb-laden drones and fast boats delivered fatal damage, ultimately leading to the vessel sinking on the morning of July 10.
At least four crew members are confirmed dead. Six others were rescued after drifting in lifejackets for over 24 hours. However, 15 crew members remain missing, and maritime sources suggest that some may have been kidnapped by the Houthis. Search and rescue operations are underway, with efforts involving private maritime security teams, the Yemeni navy, and European Union naval assets in the region.
The attack on the Eternity C came just days after the Houthi sinking of another cargo ship, Magic Seas, indicating a renewed and more aggressive phase in the group's maritime campaign. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have escalated their assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming to target vessels with links to Israel or its allies.
Israel responded with a series of airstrikes targeting port infrastructure in Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, which it alleges were used for smuggling Iranian weapons to the Houthis. The situation has heightened tensions in the region and disrupted international shipping routes through the Red Sea, a critical artery for global trade.
The United States, European Union, United Nations, and other international actors have strongly condemned the attacks and called for the immediate release of any kidnapped crew. The U.S. has urged the Houthis to halt their maritime aggression, warning of broader consequences if the Red Sea continues to be destabilized.
Maritime organizations, including the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO, have warned shipowners to consider rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope and to reinforce onboard security measures. Insurance premiums for Red Sea transits have surged, and shipping activity through the region has sharply declined.
The sinking of the Eternity C represents a significant escalation in the threat to maritime safety in the Red Sea and underlines the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing regional conflicts. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing crew and ensuring the safety of shipping in one of the world's most vital maritime corridors.