EU’s Aspides Operation Recovers Six Crew from Houthis-Sunk Ship

Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Vessels Result in Multiple Casualties

Six crew members have been found following an attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in the Red Sea, which was carried out by Iran-backed Houthis. The incident resulted in the death of at least three individuals and left several others injured. A European naval force reported that 19 people who were aboard the Eternity C vessel were still missing.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the EU’s Operation Aspides confirmed that the ship’s crew included 22 sailors and a security team of three. According to European and US officials, the Yemeni rebels first targeted the Greek-owned ship on Monday evening. The vessel was en route north towards the Suez Canal when it came under attack from drones and armed men in small boats.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center issued an advisory stating that “search and rescue operations commenced overnight” on Wednesday to assist those onboard the vessel. Although the current status of the ship could not be immediately confirmed, reports suggested that it had sunk.

The Houthi attack on the Eternity C occurred shortly after the rebel group targeted another cargo vessel, the Magic Seas, on Sunday. Following the attack, the crew of the Magic Seas was rescued, and the ship sank earlier this week. Both incidents took place in the same area, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, which is under Houthi control.

Escalation of Hostilities in the Red Sea

The attacks highlight the growing tensions in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor for global trade. The Houthi rebels have intensified their targeting of ships in this region since late 2023, primarily in response to Israel’s war in Gaza. These recent assaults mark the first Houthi attacks in the important maritime corridor since last year.

The US State Department condemned the attacks in a statement issued on Tuesday. It described the Houthi attacks on the civilian cargo vessels MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C as unprovoked and tragic. The statement emphasized that the attacks resulted in the loss of three mariners, with many others injured, and the complete loss of the MV Magic Seas and its cargo.

“The attacks demonstrate the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose to freedom of navigation and to regional economic and maritime security,” the statement added. This condemnation underscores the broader concerns about the impact of these attacks on international shipping and regional stability.

Regional and International Reactions

The situation has drawn attention from various international actors, including Israel, which recently conducted naval strikes on Houthi-held Hodeida port. This marked the first direct strikes from the sea against the port, which is controlled by the rebels. In response, the Houthi rebels launched missile fire, further escalating tensions in the region.

The attacks have also prompted discussions among global powers about the need for increased security measures in the Red Sea. The European Union and the United States have both expressed concern over the growing instability and the potential risks to maritime trade. The EU’s Operation Aspides has been actively monitoring the situation, while the US continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining open sea lanes.

As the search and rescue efforts continue, the international community remains vigilant about the potential for further attacks. The Houthi rebels’ actions have not only affected the immediate victims but also raised broader questions about the security of global shipping routes and the role of external actors like Iran in fueling the conflict.

With the situation evolving rapidly, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of seafarers and preventing further escalation of hostilities in the region. The coming days will likely see increased diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing crisis and restore stability to the Red Sea.