Five crew rescued from cargo ship attacked in Red Sea
DUBAI: In a dramatic maritime incident, five seafarers have been rescued following the attack and sinking of the Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Eternity C, off the coast of rebel-held Yemen. The assault, which began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, has left the fate of the remaining crew uncertain as search operations persist. The attack marks a troubling escalation in hostilities linked to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Details of the Attack and Rescue Operations
The Eternity C suffered significant damage during the assault in the Red Sea, which has raised alarms among maritime monitors. According to reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, search and rescue efforts commenced overnight, resulting in the successful retrieval of five crew members. However, the search continues for the remaining individuals aboard the vessel, which had a total of 22 crew members, predominantly from the Philippines.
On Tuesday, the European Union naval force patrolling the Red Sea confirmed that the attack resulted in three fatalities and left at least two others injured, including a Russian electrician who sustained severe injuries. The US embassy in Yemen has attributed the attack to the Houthis, labeling it as one of the most violent incidents to date and accusing the group of undermining freedom of navigation in the region.
The Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for the attack on the Eternity C, but their recent actions suggest a pattern of aggression against maritime targets. This incident follows another attack on the cargo ship Magic Seas just days earlier, which the rebels claimed was in solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid ongoing regional tensions. The escalation of Houthi attacks has prompted many shipping companies to reroute their vessels away from the Red Sea, a critical artery for global trade.
Regional Implications and Ongoing Tensions
The recent wave of Houthi-linked maritime assaults coincides with heightened tensions following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. The rebels have been vocal about their intentions to target vessels associated with Israel, claiming that the attack on the Magic Seas was justified due to its connections with Israeli ports. This has raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the Red Sea, which typically handles approximately 12 percent of global trade.
In response to the escalating threat, the US has conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, aiming to deter further attacks. However, the rebels have vowed to continue their operations against what they perceive as Israeli interests. As the situation develops, maritime security remains a critical concern for nations reliant on the Red Sea for trade and commerce.
With the search for the remaining crew members ongoing, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the crisis while grappling with the broader implications of the Houthi attacks on regional stability and global trade.
