Houthi rebels have increased their naval warfare efforts in the Red Sea. They then attacked and sank the cargo ship Eternity C, owned by a Greek company and flying the Liberian flag. The state’s highest and most populous region witnessed a three day attack which resulted in four people being killed. At least six crew members remain missing. The unfortunate incident underscores the escalating threats to commercial shipping operated in this essential crossroads of global maritime trade.
This past Monday afternoon, Houthi militants had launched the largest Houthi attack on a commercial vessel at the time on the Eternity C cargo ship. They employed these sea drones alongside RPGs shot from speedboats. In addition to the attack on the Ukrainian flag, the ship suffered additional attacks Tuesday. Unfortunately, this extreme action required the crew and armed guards to abandon ship. The vessel finally gave in and sunk on Wednesday morning after suffering critical damage from the two days of attacks.
Details of the Attack
At the time of the attack, the Eternity C was transporting 25 people. Among them were 21 fellow Filipinos and one Russian national. Tragically, four crew members were later confirmed dead after the vessel sank. Six seafarers were fortunate enough to live — after floating helplessly for more than 24 hours in the sea, they were rescued.
The US Mission in Yemen has leveled some pretty heavy accusations. They blame the Houthis for taking in hostage hundreds of crew survivors from the Eternity C. This allegation illustrates the continuing and alarming escalation of violence at sea. It further draws attention to the grave dangers that workers in international shipping endure on a daily basis.
Yet today, Houthi militants launched another successful attack, this time on the Magic Seas—one of four seized ships recently. This ship had been Liberian flagged and Greek owned. Fortuitously, all crew members aboard the Magic Seas were rescued prior to sinking, sparing the further loss of life.
Reactions to the Incident
Shipping industry representatives have criticized these attacks as irresponsible and endangering civilian life.
“These vessels have been attacked with callous disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers.”
The surprising statement is indicative to an alarming trend that maritime officials have been voicing for months about the safety of commercial shipping routes in active conflict zones.
Specialists are talking about the urgent need of armed forces and maritime patrols from extra states to preserve important delivery lanes.
“This tragedy illuminates the need for nations to maintain robust support in protecting shipping and vital sea lanes.”
The recent attacks have further spurred this effort in developing robust maritime security. Protecting commercial vessels from these threats has always been significant, but is even more critical at this moment.
Representatives from Diaplous, a Greece-based maritime risk management company, stressed their own focus on locating the lost crew.
“We will continue to search for the remaining crew until the last light.”
This commitment indicates just how dire the circumstances are. It focuses on the commitment of maritime professionals who do all they can to keep seafarers safe.
Implications for Global Shipping
These violent assaults on the Red Sea have had severe economic impacts. As markets react to the increasing volatility of global shipping channels, oil prices have skyrocketed. These attacks undermine the basic protections that safeguard human life. They interrupt vital economic activities that rely on ships’ secure navigation through those waters.
The military spokesman for the Houthi rebel group announced that they conducted their strikes with high precision in targeting. Their intent was to save the people whose lives they ruined.
“The Yemeni Navy responded to rescue a number of the ship’s crew, provide them with medical care, and transport them to a safe location.”
This public comment makes a hot mess of things. These narratives are quickly becoming the ground zero of the debate over responsibility v. humanitarian aid.
