Alappuzha: R. Anilkumar, a native of Pathiyur in Kayamkulam, who had gone missing after the recent ship attack in the Red Sea, managed to reach out to his family. Speaking briefly over the phone, Anilkumar confirmed he was in Yemen but cut the conversation short without offering further details. Sources suggest he may be in the custody of the Yemeni military. The attack on the cargo vessel, "Eternity C", occurred on the 11th of this month, allegedly carried out by Houthi forces.

Anilkumar's family had previously reported him as one of the hostages. Augustine, a Kanyakumari native who was also aboard the ship, managed to escape and return home. Anilkumar's wife, Sreeja, had even traveled to Kanyakumari to meet Augustine in hopes of more information. At 1:45 AM on Friday, Anilkumar made contact with Sreeja and briefly spoke to their son. Efforts by the central government are underway to bring him back safely.

The family had lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister, expressing concern over Anilkumar’s disappearance. The "Eternity C," a Liberian-registered vessel owned by a Greek company, was attacked while carrying a crew of 30, including two Indians.

The European Navy managed to rescue six individuals from the ship, including one from Tamil Nadu. Tragically, three lives were lost in the missile strike by the Houthis. This attack on the "Eternity C" is now regarded as one of the most significant assaults by the Houthis in the Red Sea in recent times.