New Delhi, Jul 10: At least three crew members have died and 19 remain missing after Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked a cargo ship and sank in the Red Sea, according to a European naval mission. Six survivors have been rescued so far, reports the BBC. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel Eternity C was carrying 25 crew members when it was hit by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats.
The attack severely damaged the ship, leaving it without propulsion.
The assault reportedly continued the next day, prompting a major search and rescue operation. The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying they targeted the ship because it was headed to Israel. They also stated that some crew members had been taken to a “safe location.” Among the crew were 21 Filipinos and one Russian national, who reportedly sustained critical injuries and lost a leg. A European Union naval mission, Operation Aspides, confirmed the recovery of six survivors, five Filipinos and one Indian, and said search efforts would continue, BBC reported.
This marks the second vessel the Houthis have sunk within a week. On Sunday, they launched drones and missiles at the Magic Seas, another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated ship. All 22 crew members aboard that vessel were rescued safely. Video footage released by the Houthis showed armed fighters boarding both ships and triggering explosions that ultimately sank the vessels. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted approximately 70 merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Four ships have been sunk, one seized, and at least seven crew members killed in that time.
