Houthis Attack Second Ship In 24 Hours, Crew Injured & 2 Missing

According to a recent report from Reuters, yemen’s Houthi rebels have intensified their assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, targeting two Greek-operated bulk carriers within just one day. These attacks have resulted in one vessel sinking, another left adrift without power, injuries to two crew members, and two sailors reported missing.The most recent attack occurred late Monday night when the Liberian-flagged ship Eternity C was struck approximately 49 to 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, a city currently under Houthi control. Managed by Cosmoship from Athens and operated by a Greek company, this ship was en route north towards the Suez Canal carrying steel bound for Iran.

reports from maritime security firm Ambrey and the EU’s anti-piracy initiative Operation Atalanta indicate that the Eternity C faced an onslaught of five rocket-propelled grenades along with small arms fire and drone strikes launched from several small boats. The damage caused led to a loss of propulsion, leaving the vessel drifting helplessly.Among its crew were 21 Filipino sailors alongside one Russian member and three security personnel. Notably,they had not requested an escort prior to this incident.This attack followed closely after another strike on Sunday against another Greek-managed Liberian-flagged bulk carrier named Magic Seas in similar waters about 60 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah. That vessel also endured missile strikes and gunfire before its crew abandoned ship as it began taking on water; it has as been confirmed sunk by EOS risk Group—marking it as yet another casualty since hostilities escalated following the gaza conflict that erupted in October 2023.

A rescue operation conducted by Abu Dhabi Ports successfully evacuated those aboard Magic Seas. Interestingly enough, Vanguard Tech—a maritime risk analysis firm—pointed out that both attacked vessels had ties to owners whose other ships had previously docked at Israeli ports like Haifa or Ashdod. They noted that at least one other vessel belonging to Magic Seas’ operator was present in Israel during these attacks.Ellie Shafik from Vanguard Tech remarked that these incidents could have been prevented if thorough risk assessments considered ownership histories more carefully; sending Magic Seas through such perilous waters was deemed “extreme risk.”

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree took obligation for attacking Magic Seas claiming it involved five missiles along with drones and unmanned explosive boats—a coordinated effort surpassing previous assaults attributed to them.Since tensions flared over Gaza began escalating recently,Houthis have targeted numerous vessels they allege are linked either directly or indirectly with Israel or Western interests. In retaliation for these actions, Israeli forces executed airstrikes against various locations controlled by Houthis within Yemen including key ports like Hodeidah and Ras Isa as well as infrastructure associated with what they termed “terror operations.”

Ambrey’s analysis revealed satellite imagery showing meaningful damage inflicted upon concrete docks at Hodeidah post-strike while two Barbados-flagged bulk carriers appeared affected but thankfully reported no injuries among their crews.These renewed threats against shipping routes have contributed considerably to rising oil prices; Brent crude saw an increase of over 2% reaching $69.72 per barrel while WTI climbed similarly up past $68 per barrel around midday Monday ET—prompting higher insurance premiums for vessels navigating through critical chokepoints like Bab el-Mandeb Strait which may lead further coverage exclusions soon enough.

References: Reuters