Houthis sink aid ship from Somalia, detain 10 crew members

Mogadishu (HOL) — A recent attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has resulted in the sinking of the MV Eternity C, a merchant vessel carrying humanitarian aid from Somalia. The incident, which occurred on July 7 and 8, left at least four crew members dead and ten others detained. The ship was targeted while en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after delivering food supplies for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Berbera.

Details of the Attack

The MV Eternity C, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier operated by Greece-based Cosmo Ship Management, was struck by Houthi sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades in the Red Sea. Following the assault, the vessel was left adrift before ultimately sinking near the Houthi-controlled coastline of Yemen. Reports indicate that four crew members, including three Filipinos and a Russian national, lost their lives in the attack, while others were reported missing or injured.

Search Ends for Missing Crew After Red Sea Ship Attack by Houthis

A private rescue operation managed to save ten crew members, but six others were reportedly abducted by the Houthis and taken to areas under their control, including the capital, Sana’a. On July 28, Houthi media released a video showing several detained crew members, which included nine Filipinos and a Russian electrician. Human Rights Watch condemned this footage, asserting that there was no evidence to support claims that the vessel posed a military threat or had connections to Israel. They characterised the attack and subsequent forced confessions as violations that could amount to war crimes.

Human Rights Watch stated, “The unjustified detention of civilian seafarers delivering food aid is both unlawful and morally reprehensible.” The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the identities of the detained Filipino crew members and is working with international partners to secure their release. Minister Hans Cacdac expressed serious concerns about their safety and the legality of their detention, noting that they are currently in stable condition.

Impact on Maritime Security and Humanitarian Efforts

This incident follows another Houthi attack on the MV Magic Seas, which occurred within the same week, raising alarms about maritime security in the Red Sea. Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in the region, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These assaults have disrupted global shipping routes, prompted retaliatory airstrikes from the United States and its allies, and forced many multinational companies to reroute their vessels away from the Suez Canal.

The MV Eternity C had no known ties to Israel, yet Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed it was a legitimate target, alleging it was headed to Eilat to load fertilizer. The United States, the European Union military force Operation Aspides, and the internationally recognized Yemeni government have all condemned the attack and called for the immediate release of the kidnapped sailors.

The Red Sea, which previously facilitated over 12% of global trade, has seen a significant decline in shipping activity due to the resurgence of Houthi attacks. Freight costs for East African exporters have reportedly tripled, and insurance premiums for vessels navigating the region have more than doubled. This situation poses a growing threat to Somali exports, particularly perishable goods like livestock and produce destined for the Gulf.

While the WFP has not yet commented publicly on the loss of the MV Eternity C, humanitarian organizations have warned that such attacks could jeopardize vital aid deliveries to conflict-affected regions in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. As international pressure mounts, the status of the detained crew remains uncertain.