Six Crew Rescued After Houthi Attack Sinks Cargo Ship in Red Sea; Dozens Still Missing

World

Six crew members have been rescued from a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, Eternity C, after it was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea in a strike claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to the European Union’s Operation Aspides.

The assault, which took place on Monday, reportedly involved missiles and an unmanned boat, and was carried out by the Houthis in what they described as an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The Eternity C, owned by a Greek company, sank on Wednesday, maritime sources told Reuters. At least four sailors were confirmed dead, and 15 others remain missing.

The EU naval force said it rescued five Filipino nationals and one Indian national from the vessel’s crew of 22, which included a three-member security team. The incident marks one of the most devastating single maritime attacks in the Red Sea since the escalation of Houthi strikes on commercial shipping began.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed the group’s responsibility, claiming the Eternity C was en route to Israel. In a statement, Saree said the Houthis also attempted to rescue crew members, provide medical care, and transport them to a safe area. A video released by the group appeared to show explosions aboard the ship, following a warning for the crew to evacuate.

However, the U.S. Mission in Yemen accused the Houthis of kidnapping several surviving crew members, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. The full status of the crew remains unclear as search and rescue operations continue.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had earlier reported that the vessel had sustained severe damage and lost propulsion near the Yemeni coast. According to Ambrey, a UK-based maritime security firm, the Eternity C sank off the port city of Hodeidah, which is under Houthi control.

The latest attack has reignited international concern over maritime security in the Red Sea, a key global shipping route. The targeting of commercial vessels in the context of regional conflicts has heightened risks for global trade and has drawn sharp condemnation from multiple governments and maritime authorities.