Crew Rescued In Red Sea After Attack On Ship Near Yemen

CAIRO, July 6 – A recent assault on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red Sea has left its crew scrambling for safety. The attack, which involved gunfire and sea drones, marks the first incident of its kind in this crucial shipping corridor since mid-April. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by a passing merchant vessel as the ship began to take on water.

Details of the Attack

The attack occurred off the southwest coast of Yemen, approximately 51 nautical miles from the port city of Hodeidah. Initial reports indicate that the Magic Seas was targeted by gunfire and self-propelled grenades launched from eight small boats. Armed security personnel aboard the vessel returned fire during the assault, according to advisories from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the private security firm Ambrey.

Following the initial assault, the ship faced a second wave of attacks from four Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). Two of these drones struck the port side of the vessel, causing damage to its cargo and igniting a fire onboard. The UKMTO confirmed that the crew was safely evacuated before the situation escalated further. The operator of the Magic Seas has not yet commented on the incident.

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No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Ambrey has suggested that the vessel fits the profile of targets typically associated with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants. This incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the ongoing conflict in Gaza and recent military actions involving the U.S. and Iran.

Context and Implications

The attack on the Magic Seas is part of a broader pattern of maritime aggression in the region. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on shipping, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Their offensive has included sinking two ships, seizing another, and resulting in the deaths of at least four seafarers, significantly disrupting global shipping routes.

In response to these threats, the U.S. has intensified military operations against the Houthis this year. In May, former President Donald Trump announced a temporary cessation of U.S. bombings against the group, contingent on their agreement to refrain from targeting vital shipping lanes. However, tensions escalated again in June when the Houthis threatened to target U.S. vessels in the Red Sea if American involvement in Israeli attacks on Iran continued.

The situation remains fluid, with maritime security experts closely monitoring developments in the region. As the conflict evolves, the safety of shipping routes in the Red Sea will be a critical concern for global trade.