Crew abandons cargo ship in Red Sea after drone

A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas, was attacked in the Red Sea, prompting its crew to abandon ship. The incident, which occurred approximately 94 kilometers southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah port, marks the first assault in this crucial shipping lane since April. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel was targeted by multiple small vessels armed with firearms and rocket-propelled grenades, leading to a fire onboard and the ship taking on water.

Details of the Attack

The UKMTO confirmed that all crew members successfully evacuated the Magic Seas and were rescued by a passing merchant ship. Fortunately, all crew members are reported to be safe. The attack involved multiple small vessels that opened fire on the Magic Seas, resulting in significant damage. According to Ambrey, a private British maritime security firm, the assault was executed using four unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), with two of them colliding with the ship’s port side and damaging its cargo.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Ambrey noted that the tactics used align with the established target profile of the Houthi rebels, who control much of Yemen. The Houthis have been known to target vessels in the Red Sea since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, claiming their actions are in defense of Palestinians. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the group launched over 100 attacks on commercial shipping, disrupting global trade and resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of at least four seafarers.

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After a brief pause in hostilities following a ceasefire agreement in May, tensions have escalated again. The Houthis recently claimed responsibility for missile launches aimed at Israel, which were intercepted by the Israeli military. In response, Israel has threatened airstrikes on Houthi-held ports and other strategic locations in Yemen. The latest attack on the Magic Seas could further heighten tensions in the region, potentially drawing in US and Western forces once more, especially as the situation in the Middle East remains precarious.

Implications for Maritime Security

The attack on the Magic Seas comes at a critical time for maritime security in the Red Sea. While shipping traffic has begun to increase, it remains below normal levels due to ongoing threats. The incident raises concerns about the safety of commercial vessels in the area and could lead to heightened military presence from Western nations. The potential for renewed conflict in the region, particularly in light of the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing tensions with Iran, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

As the international community watches closely, the implications of this attack extend beyond immediate maritime security concerns. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the Red Sea shipping corridor and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East. With the Houthis’ history of targeting vessels and the recent escalation of hostilities, the safety of maritime operations in this vital region remains uncertain.