The global shipping industry has been rocked by two deadly attacks this week in the Red Sea, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels launching their most violent maritime campaign since early 2024, killing at least three seafarers, wounding others, and reportedly kidnapping crew.
The bulk carrier Eternity C, owned by Greek interests and flagged in Liberia, was struck Monday night by drones, missiles, and armed boats—a coordinated assault that left the ship drifting and its crew devastated. The Houthis then boarded the ship and set explosives, sinking it.
We cannot allow attacks on commercial ships to become normalised or weaponised as political tools
European Union naval forces under Operation Aspides confirmed on Wednesday that six castaways from the Eternity C—including five Filipinos and one Indian—had been rescued. However, three crewmembers were killed, two more were seriously injured, and several others remain unaccounted for.
A statement from the US embassy in Yemen said some crew had been kidnapped by the Houthi attackers.
“We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release,” the statement read, reaffirming the US position, labelling the Houthis a terrorist organisation.
The ship had 22 crew members aboard at the time of the attack, including 21 Filipinos and one Russian, supported by a three-member security team. One of the injured seafarers reportedly lost a leg. The Eternity C had been en route to the Suez Canal when attacked approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.
Just 24 hours before the Eternity C assault, the bulk carrier Magic Seas, also Greek-owned and Liberian-flagged, was sunk following a ferocious Houthi strike involving drones, missiles, RPGs, and small arms fire. The crew of 22 was forced to abandon ship.
These twin incidents mark the first Houthi attacks on merchant shipping since late last year, raising fears of a renewed and intensified maritime insurgency.
The Houthi military claimed responsibility for the attack on Eternity C, asserting the vessel was targeted because its owner had previously traded with Israeli ports. The rebels warned that any ship affiliated with Israel—past or present—will be attacked, regardless of flag or current destination.
Ami Daniel, the founder of maritime analytics firm Windward, suggested that this new policy of targeting any company that has called in Israel means approximately one in six ships of the global merchant fleet are now viewed as legitimate targets by the Houthis.
The international shipping community has condemned the attacks. Joe Kramek, president and CEO of the World Shipping Council, said: “What we’re seeing unfold in the Red Sea is shocking and unacceptable. Seafarers are being killed while simply doing their jobs… We cannot allow attacks on commercial ships to become normalised or weaponised as political tools.”
A joint statement from the International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, and the European Community of Shipowner Associations described the attacks as “callous” and urged global stakeholders to protect seafarers and uphold the freedom of navigation in this vital sea lane. Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, has also voiced grave concern, emphasising the need for urgent multilateral action to ensure maritime security.
Sam Chambers