The fragile peace in the Red Sea was shattered this week as Houthi militants intensified their attacks on commercial vessels, targeting a Greek-owned bulk carrier named Eternity C. The vessel was struck and sunk near Yemen’s coast, sparking international concern and prompting shipping companies to reconsider their transit routes through this vital maritime corridor.
Eternity C Attacked and Sunk
On Wednesday, July 9th, Houthi forces launched a direct assault on the Eternity C, a Greek-operated bulk carrier navigating through the Red Sea. The vessel, reportedly carrying agricultural commodities, came under fire in an area previously considered relatively safe in recent months. Following the attack, the ship sank, adding to the growing list of vessels targeted by the Iran-backed militia in the region.
Rescue Efforts Underway: Crew Members Saved
In a dramatic rescue operation, three more crew members along with a security guard were pulled alive from the waters of the Red Sea on Thursday morning. These survivors were located not far from the site of the attack and were retrieved by allied naval forces conducting search-and-rescue operations in coordination with international maritime agencies.
Despite this success, the situation remains grim. Six other crew members of the Eternity C are reportedly being held captive by the Houthis. Their condition remains unknown, and diplomatic channels are now working urgently to secure their release.
Escalation Threatens Regional Stability
This latest attack underscores a worrying trend of escalating maritime aggression by the Houthis. While peace had tentatively held for several months along Yemen’s Red Sea coast following international pressure and UN-mediated efforts, this attack highlights the fragility of that calm.
According to maritime security experts, the incident signals a clear return to hostility, with the Houthis appearing emboldened to disrupt commercial shipping and international trade. The Red Sea remains one of the most critical maritime routes in the world, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Any disruption here has global economic implications.
Shipping Industry on High Alert
The targeting of Eternity C has sent shockwaves through the international shipping industry. Several major shipping companies have already begun rerouting vessels away from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, choosing the longer and more expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope.
This precautionary move, while costly, is deemed necessary due to the unpredictable threat posed by Houthi-controlled coastal areas. Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the region have also soared, further compounding the economic impact of these attacks.
A spokesperson for a European shipping conglomerate stated, “We cannot compromise on the safety of our crew or our cargo. Until there is a coordinated response to these threats, our vessels will avoid the Red Sea.”