Search ends for missing Eternity C crew as Red Sea sinks

The search for the remaining crew members of the Eternity C, a bulk carrier that sank following an attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, has been officially called off. Security firms Ambrey and Diaplous Group report that at least four mariners are presumed dead, with 11 still unaccounted for. The vessel was targeted on July 7 in a coordinated assault involving drones, explosive-laden boats, and small arms fire, leading to its sinking the next day.

Deadly Week for Maritime Shipping

This tragic incident occurred just one day after the Magic Seas, another Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned bulk carrier, suffered a similar fate under comparable circumstances. These back-to-back attacks have marked the deadliest week of maritime violence in the Red Sea since the Houthi rebels began their campaign against commercial shipping in late 2023. In response to the escalating violence, Israel has urged the United States to resume its bombing campaign against the Yemeni group.

New satellite imagery has revealed significant oil slicks trailing from both wrecks, raising urgent environmental concerns. A report from Dutch peace group PAX estimates that the oil slick from the Eternity C extends over 80 kilometers, while the slick from the Magic Seas spans approximately 65 kilometers. This spill poses a serious threat to marine life and protected ecosystems, including wildlife reserves in Eritrea and surrounding waters.

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Among the crew members, ten seafarers were rescued, including eight Filipinos, one Greek, and one Indian member of the vessel’s security team. However, hopes for the safety of those still missing have diminished significantly. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting that they target companies linked to Israel. Both sunken ships had previously docked at Israeli ports, which analysts believe may have instigated the strikes. The U.S. embassy in Yemen has accused the Houthis of kidnapping some of the surviving crew, although this claim is yet to be confirmed.

Surge in Houthi Attacks and Shipping Concerns

Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on commercial vessels, resulting in the sinking of four ships and at least eight fatalities among seafarers, according to maritime security data. Concerns regarding Houthi maritime terrorism have escalated, prompting crews on some vessels to transmit AIS messages declaring their religion or political neutrality to evade potential targeting. Messages such as “All crew are Muslim” and “We are not affiliated with Israel” have begun to appear on vessel tracking systems. However, experts caution that such tactics are unlikely to provide real protection.

AIS data indicates a dramatic decline in daily commercial transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint. The number of ships transiting has dropped from 79 per day in late 2023 to just 32–35 vessels in recent days. With fears on the rise and no clear path to security, shipowners are increasingly rerouting traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, further complicating maritime operations in the region.