The attack raises alarms over the safety of shipping routes in conflict-ridden waters.
**Desperate Search for Survivors After Houthi Attacks on Cargo Ships in Red Sea**
**Desperate Search for Survivors After Houthi Attacks on Cargo Ships in Red Sea**
Efforts intensify to locate missing crew members following a recent Houthi assault on maritime operations.
In a troubling escalation, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have sunk a second cargo ship in the Red Sea within a week, amplifying concerns over maritime security in the region. The latest incident involved the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel, Eternity C, which was struck by rocket-propelled grenades while navigating through the volatile waters.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Eternity C, carrying 25 crew members, faced significant damage leading to a loss of propulsion on Monday during Houthi attacks from small boats. Ongoing operations aimed at rescuing survivors commenced shortly thereafter, with at least six crew members having been saved, while reports indicate that at least three others have died.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the ship was en route to Israel, and purported to have relocated some of the crew to a "safe location." Heightened tensions led the U.S. embassy in Yemen to assert that the militia kidnapped various crew survivors and demanded their immediate release. Among the crew were 21 Filipinos and a severely injured Russian national who lost a leg in the attack.
This incident is especially alarming as it follows a similar attack on another cargo ship, Magic Seas, just days prior. The Houthi rebels had attacked this vessel with missiles and drones, claiming it was linked to a company that violated access bans to ports in Israel. Despite the turmoil, the entirety of Magic Seas' crew was reported rescued by another merchant vessel.
The recent Houthi assaults have not gone unnoticed, leading to condemnation from the U.S. State Department, which emphasized the threats posed to maritime navigation and regional security. The U.S. has vowed to take necessary actions to safeguard commercial shipping against Houthi aggression.
Diplomatic efforts could be necessary to address these alarming developments, as Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, has called for renewed engagements following the resurgence of hostilities. He highlighted that indiscriminate attacks have dire implications for innocent seafarers and local populations, underscoring the urgent need for a renewed commitment to protecting international law and freedom of navigation in tumultuous waters.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Eternity C, carrying 25 crew members, faced significant damage leading to a loss of propulsion on Monday during Houthi attacks from small boats. Ongoing operations aimed at rescuing survivors commenced shortly thereafter, with at least six crew members having been saved, while reports indicate that at least three others have died.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the ship was en route to Israel, and purported to have relocated some of the crew to a "safe location." Heightened tensions led the U.S. embassy in Yemen to assert that the militia kidnapped various crew survivors and demanded their immediate release. Among the crew were 21 Filipinos and a severely injured Russian national who lost a leg in the attack.
This incident is especially alarming as it follows a similar attack on another cargo ship, Magic Seas, just days prior. The Houthi rebels had attacked this vessel with missiles and drones, claiming it was linked to a company that violated access bans to ports in Israel. Despite the turmoil, the entirety of Magic Seas' crew was reported rescued by another merchant vessel.
The recent Houthi assaults have not gone unnoticed, leading to condemnation from the U.S. State Department, which emphasized the threats posed to maritime navigation and regional security. The U.S. has vowed to take necessary actions to safeguard commercial shipping against Houthi aggression.
Diplomatic efforts could be necessary to address these alarming developments, as Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, has called for renewed engagements following the resurgence of hostilities. He highlighted that indiscriminate attacks have dire implications for innocent seafarers and local populations, underscoring the urgent need for a renewed commitment to protecting international law and freedom of navigation in tumultuous waters.
