Search Ends for Missing Crew After Red Sea Ship Attack by Houthis
Search Ends for Missing Crew of Sunk Ship
Private security firms have officially concluded the search for 11 crew members missing after the bulk carrier Eternity C sank in the Red Sea on July 7. The vessel was targeted by Houthi fighters using small arms and explosive drones, resulting in four presumed fatalities. This incident is part of a larger pattern of attacks on commercial shipping in the region amid escalating tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Details of the Incident
The Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned cargo ship, was not under the protection of US or European naval forces when it was attacked. This incident followed closely on the heels of another assault on a Liberian-flagged vessel, the Magic Seas, which was also sunk by Houthi forces. Both attacks highlight a troubling trend of increased aggression by the Iran-backed Houthi group against commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea.
In the aftermath of the attack, ten survivors were rescued, comprising eight Filipinos, one Greek, and one Indian national, as reported by the European Union’s Operation Aspides. The Houthis have claimed to have captured some crew members, but no evidence has been presented to substantiate this claim. The US Embassy in Yemen has expressed concerns, suggesting that the rebels may have “kidnapped” some of the crew members during the assault.
The decision to end the search for the missing crew was made reluctantly by the ship’s owner, as stated in a joint announcement from the security firms Ambrey and Diaplous. The conclusion of the search raises further concerns about the fate of those still unaccounted for.
Environmental Concerns and Ongoing Attacks
Satellite imagery analyzed by Planet Labs PBC has revealed significant oil slicks trailing from both the Eternity C and the Magic Seas, raising alarms about potential marine pollution. The spills, which extend up to 80 kilometers, pose a serious threat to local ecosystems, particularly near Eritrea.
Since late 2023, Houthi fighters have launched attacks on over 100 vessels in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of four ships and the deaths of at least eight sailors. The ongoing violence underscores the precarious situation for maritime operations in the region and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect commercial shipping from further assaults.
