Private security teams are still searching for survivors after the Greek-owned bulk carrier Eternity C sank in the Red Sea on Wednesday following an attack blamed on the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. EU’s maritime security operation, Operation Aspides, confirmed that ten people have been rescued so far. Among them are eight Filipino crew members and three security personnel from the vessel’s team—a Greek and an Indian.
Sadly, fifteen people remain missing, with four presumed dead. Authorities have urged all nearby ships to stay alert as the search continues. The Houthis claim to be holding some of the crew members captive. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen has described these actions as a kidnapping by the rebel group.
This incident marks the deadliest seaborne attack carried out by the Houthis, who have targeted one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. The Red Sea sees about $1 trillion worth of cargo pass through each year, making these attacks particularly disruptive. The rebels say they are attacking ships to support Palestinians affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Since last November, they have sank four vessels and killed sailors who were not involved in the war.
The Eternity C incident follows a similar attack on the bulk carrier Magic Seas just last weekend. Neither the European naval forces nor the U.S. had escorts protecting the ships when they were struck. The Houthis have a history of detaining mariners; they held the crew of the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader from November 2023 until January 2024.
Between November 2023 and December 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 ships using missiles and drones. Their attacks paused briefly during a ceasefire but resumed, leading to a heavy weekslong campaign of airstrikes ordered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The current situation remains unstable, with talks of a new ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations adding uncertainty to the region’s future.
This attack on the Eternity C highlights the escalating risks in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for international trade, and raises serious concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through this area.