Tragedy Strikes as Houthis Intensify Red Sea Attacks: Three Crew Members Lost on M/V Eternity

according to a recent report by Reuters, three crew members aboard the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C tragically lost their lives due to a drone and speedboat assault off the coast of Yemen. This incident marks a concerning resurgence of violence in the Red Sea, which had seen relative calm for several months. The attack occurred just hours after another vessel, the MV Magic Seas, was reportedly targeted by houthi forces.

The Red Sea is vital for global trade, especially for oil and commodities; however, since November 2023, shipping traffic has substantially decreased as houthi militants have ramped up their assaults on maritime vessels. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The fatalities from the Eternity C bring the total number of seafarers killed in this region to seven since June 2024.

The ship’s operator, Cosmoship Management, has yet to provide comments regarding this tragic event. Reports indicate that at least two additional crew members sustained injuries during the attack involving sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched from manned boats. Currently adrift and listing dangerously, Eternity C poses further risks not only to its crew but also to maritime safety.

earlier on Sunday before this latest incident unfolded, Houthi forces claimed responsibility for an attack on another Liberian-flagged vessel—the MV Magic Seas—asserting that it sank during hostilities. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by a nearby merchant ship and safely transported to Djibouti.

Liberia’s delegation expressed deep sorrow over these attacks during an International Maritime Association session: “Just as we were grappling with our grief over Magic Seas’ fate came news of yet another horrific assault.” Despite reaching a ceasefire agreement with U.S. forces earlier this year in May 2024, Houthi leaders have vowed to continue targeting ships they associate with Israel.International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned these renewed attacks as violations of international law that threaten innocent lives at sea: “Seafarers and local communities bear the brunt of such aggression.”

Both attacked vessels had connections with Israeli ports over recent months—a factor contributing to heightened tensions within maritime operations in this area. Ellie Shafik from Vanguard Tech noted that while there was a lull in Houthi activity previously observed did not signify any change in their intentions; ongoing conflicts will likely keep perceived threats alive against various shipping entities.

In light of these developments following recent strikes against commercial vessels like those involved here—Filipino seafarers are being advised by their government’s Department of Migrant Workers about exercising caution when considering voyages through high-risk zones such as the Red Sea.

Shipping activity has plummeted nearly 50% compared to normal levels since hostilities began escalating last year according to Jakob Larsen from BIMCO—a trend expected not only due but also because unpredictability remains prevalent within security conditions across affected waters.

The latest attack near Yemen’s port city highlights how fragile maritime safety can be amidst geopolitical strife—an issue requiring urgent attention if we hope for safer seas ahead.