HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – A cargo ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has sunk in the Red Sea, marking the second such incident in a week.
According to the European Union’s naval mission, six crew members were rescued, while at least three others have been confirmed dead.
The Liberian-flagged and Greek-operated vessel, Eternity C, was carrying 25 crew when it was struck on Monday by rocket-propelled grenades launched from small boats.
The attack disabled the ship, causing significant damage and rendering it inoperable, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported.
The assault reportedly continued into Tuesday, with search and rescue operations launched overnight.
The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating that Eternity C was targeted because it was bound for Israel.
They also claimed to have taken several crew members to a “safe location,” though details remain unclear.
The U.S. Embassy in Yemen condemned the attack and accused the Houthis of kidnapping surviving crew members, urging their immediate release.
Philippine authorities confirmed that 21 of the crew were Filipino nationals. One Russian crew member was severely injured, reportedly losing a leg.
Just days earlier, the Houthis attacked another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated ship, the Magic Seas.
The vessel was hit by missiles and drones and later sank after armed men boarded and set off explosions.
All 22 crew members were rescued by a nearby merchant ship.
Since November 2023, Houthi forces have launched over 70 attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, using drones, missiles, and small boats.
These actions have resulted in four ships being sunk, one seized, and at least seven crew deaths.
The Houthis say their operations are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, claiming they only target vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., or the UK.
However, many of these claims have been false, with numerous neutral or unrelated vessels targeted.
Operation Aspides, the EU naval force in the Red Sea, confirmed on Wednesday that six survivors—five Filipinos and one Indian—had been recovered.
Nineteen crew members from Eternity C remain unaccounted for.
A video released by maritime security firm Diaplous shows the dramatic rescue of at least five seafarers, who reportedly spent more than 24 hours in the water.
The company said the search would continue “until the last light.”
Reuters reported a death toll of four, citing maritime security sources.
The U.S. State Department condemned the Houthi attacks as a serious threat to freedom of navigation and regional maritime security.
It reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to protecting commercial shipping from what it called “Houthi terrorist attacks.”
Despite a May ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the U.S., the group has continued targeting vessels allegedly linked to Israel.
The Houthis claim the deal did not prohibit attacks related to the conflict in Gaza.