Four killed in suspected Houthi attack on commercial ship in Red Sea

Four crew members were killed after Yemen’s Houthi rebels allegedly attacked a Liberian-flagged commercial ship in the Red Sea using drones and explosives.

At least four crew members have been killed and two others injured in a suspected Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, according to a Reuters report citing maritime security sources. The ship, Eternity C, was sailing under the Liberian flag and operated by a Greek company when it came under fire.

The attack reportedly involved explosive drones and grenade launchers fired from fast boats believed to be operated by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Eternity C was carrying 21 Filipino crew members and one Russian national at the time of the incident.

Following the assault, the vessel was left adrift in the Red Sea, listing to one side. Two maritime security companies are currently coordinating rescue operations for the remaining crew members onboard.

As of now, neither the managing company of the Eternity C nor the Houthis have issued any official statement regarding the attack. The ship remains disabled and vulnerable in one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes.

This marks the second suspected Houthi attack on a Greek-operated ship in a single day. Hours earlier, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an assault on another Liberian-flagged Greek cargo vessel, the MV Majic Seas, which reportedly sank off the southwestern coast of Yemen.

According to Reuters sources, the crew of MV Majic Seas were rescued by a nearby passing ship. Both targeted vessels were part of a commercial fleet that had previously docked at Israeli ports over the past year.

Since November 2023, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have carried out numerous attacks in the Red Sea, targeting vessels linked to Israel and the United States, in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. While a U.S.-Houthi ceasefire deal was reached in May, the Houthis have declared they will continue targeting ships affiliated with Israel.

The escalation in maritime threats has raised alarms for international shipping lanes. The Red Sea is a critical global trade artery, and continued attacks could disrupt commercial routes and risk broader regional conflict involving Iran-backed Houthi forces.

Western navies, including those of the United States and allies, have increased their presence in the region to secure shipping and respond to emerging threats. However, analysts warn that without a durable ceasefire and a political solution in Yemen, the Red Sea may remain a flashpoint for ongoing maritime warfare.

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