Houthis Rescue Seafarers from Sunk Cargo Ship, Expand Red Sea Targeting
Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced Monday the rescue of ten crew members from the Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C, which sank in the Red Sea earlier this month following a Houthi attack.this incident marks a resurgence in attacks targeting commercial shipping, raising concerns for maritime security and global trade.
The Eternity C, flagged in Liberia, is the second vessel lost off the coast of Yemen in recent weeks. Days prior, the greek-operated Magic Seas also succumbed to Houthi attacks involving sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades.
Filipino Crew Confirmed Safe
The Philippine government confirmed Tuesday that nine of the rescued seafarers are Filipino citizens. Migrant workers minister Hans Cacdac reported the sailors are in good condition, based on communication with their families. The government is actively working to secure their safe return home.
A History of Red Sea Disruptions
These strikes represent a revival of Houthi activity against shipping lanes. Between November 2023 and December 2024, the group targeted over 100 vessels, claiming solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict in Gaza.
The Eternity C crew, including three armed guards, were forced to abandon ship after the attack. A privately-led mission successfully rescued ten individuals,but five remain feared dead. Initial reports indicated ten more were potentially held by the Houthis, though this has been partially clarified.
Houthi Claims and Released Footage
On Monday, the Houthis released a six-minute video showcasing the ten rescued seafarers contacting their families. Testimonies within the footage claim the crew was unaware of the Houthi ban on vessels traveling to Israeli ports.They stated the ship was en route to Eilat, Israel, to deliver fertilizer.
Reuters has not independently verified the authenticity of this footage.
Expanded Targeting Criteria
The Houthis announced Sunday a new phase of their military operations, dubbed “phase four.” They will now target any ship linked to companies conducting business with Israeli ports, irrespective of the vessel’s nationality. This expansion substantially broadens the scope of potential targets.
International Response and Greek Deployment
Following the recent attacks, Greece announced it will deploy a salvage vessel to the Red Sea. This vessel will assist in maritime accident response and provide protection for seafarers and global shipping.
You can expect continued volatility in this critical shipping lane as the Houthis demonstrate their resolve and international efforts to secure safe passage continue. Understanding the evolving situation is crucial for anyone involved in global trade or maritime security.
Published – July 30,2025 07:42 am IST
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