Houthis Sink Cargo Vessel ETERNITY C in Red Sea (VIDEO)
The strategic waterways of the Red Sea have once again become a flashpoint of regional conflict following a deadly attack on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship ETERNITY C.
Yesterday, Houthi rebel forces launched a sophisticated assault on the vessel, using a combination of drone boats and guided missile strikes, leading to the eventual sinking of the ship and significant casualties among its crew.
The attack occurred roughly 50 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, a known Houthi stronghold. According to multiple verified sources, the assault began with an unmanned explosive boat targeting the vessel's hull, followed by precision-guided missiles that disabled the ship's engine and critical communication systems. The crew's attempts to control the damage failed, and as the vessel started to take on water, the captain ordered an emergency evacuation.
Despite rescue efforts, at least three crew members lost their lives, with several others sustaining severe injuries, including one sailor who reportedly lost a leg. Survivors were rescued from the water by nearby vessels and local fishing boats. The ETERNITY C, owned by a Greek shipping company, ultimately sank in the early hours of July 9, marking one of the deadliest maritime incidents in the Red Sea in recent years.
The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, publicly claimed responsibility for the attack. They released a video documenting the operation, showcasing their use of unmanned maritime drones and ballistic missiles. The group justified the strike as part of their broader campaign against vessels heading to Israeli ports, pledging to target any ship linked to Israel 'regardless of nationality.'
This declaration underscores a marked shift in the conflict's maritime dimension, as the Houthis intensify their naval capabilities to disrupt international shipping lanes, particularly those connected to Israel.
This attack comes on the heels of another recent assault on the cargo vessel Magic Seas, signaling a troubling escalation in Houthi naval aggression. The Red Sea, a vital corridor for global trade linking Europe, Asia, and Africa via the Suez Canal, faces increasing risks that threaten to disrupt international shipping and economic stability.
In response, maritime insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Red Sea have surged, with coverage costs rising from 0.4% to nearly 1% of a ship's value. Shipping companies are weighing the risks of rerouting, which could increase transit times and costs substantially.
International actors including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations have condemned the attacks, viewing them as grave threats to freedom of navigation and global commerce. Discussions of a coordinated multinational naval patrol to secure the Red Sea are reportedly underway.
The attack on ETERNITY C coincides with heightened tensions across the Middle East, particularly amid ongoing hostilities involving Israel and Palestinian factions. The Houthis' explicit linkage of their maritime operations to the Israeli conflict signals a widening of the regional proxy wars into maritime domains.
Analysts warn that without effective diplomatic engagement and enhanced maritime security measures, the Red Sea could become a permanent theater of conflict, jeopardizing the critical supply chains that millions rely upon.
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