Second Greek Ship Attacked by Houthis in The Red Sea

A Greek-owned cargo ship, the Eternity C, was attacked in the Red Sea on Monday, resulting in injuries to at least two crew members and leaving two others missing. The assault occurred near Hodeidah, Yemen, an area under the control of Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. This incident marks the second attack on a Greek vessel within a 24-hour period, raising alarms about the safety of maritime operations in the region.

Details of the Attack on Eternity C

The Eternity C, flagged under Liberia and owned by the Greek company Cosmoship, was en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when it came under fire. The attack involved manned speedboats and unmanned aerial vehicles, which launched a coordinated assault using rocket launchers. The ship sustained significant damage, particularly to its bridge and engine room, rendering it “blind” and unmanageable.

Reports indicate that the ship’s armed security personnel found themselves trapped amid the wreckage, struggling to fend off the Houthi rebels who encircled the vessel in their boats. An order to abandon ship was issued, but the chaotic conditions made evacuation nearly impossible. The crew consists of 22 Filipinos and three Indian armed guards. Communication with the ship was disrupted following the attack, complicating efforts to assess the full extent of the situation. Greek government officials have confirmed the attack and the nationalities of those on board.

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Previous Attack on Greek Vessel

This incident follows closely on the heels of another attack on a Greek-owned vessel, the Magic Seas, which occurred just hours earlier. Houthi militants claimed responsibility for that assault, which involved drones, missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades. The crew of the Magic Seas was forced to abandon ship, and the vessel subsequently sank. Fortunately, they were rescued by a passing ship and taken to Djibouti.

These recent attacks highlight the escalating risks faced by commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial maritime route. The region has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts, underscoring the ongoing threats to maritime safety. In light of these events, concerns about the security of shipping lanes around Yemen have intensified, prompting calls for increased vigilance and protective measures in the area.