**In a troubling escalation, recent attacks by Yemen's Houthis on Red Sea cargo ships have raised alarms about maritime security and civilian safety. Efforts to locate missing crew members from the latest incident are ongoing, as calls for diplomatic resolutions grow louder.**
**Aftermath of Houthi Attacks: Search Resumes for Missing Crew Members in Red Sea**
**Aftermath of Houthi Attacks: Search Resumes for Missing Crew Members in Red Sea**
**Tensions escalate as Houthis target merchant vessels, intensifying international concern for maritime safety.**
The search for survivors continues in the Red Sea following a deadly attack on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The vessel, operated by a Greek company and carrying 25 crew members, was struck by rocket-propelled grenades while sailing on Monday, leading to catastrophic damage and the ship's eventual sinking. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that six crew members were rescued from the waters, but at least three others lost their lives.
The Houthi forces, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the Eternity C was on its way to Israel. They reported taking an unspecified number of crew members to a "safe location," prompting the US embassy in Yemen to demand the immediate release of those kidnapped. Among the crewmembers, 21 hailed from the Philippines, and one Russian national sustained life-altering injuries during the strike.
Shockingly, this marks the second cargo vessel sunk by the Houthis in just a week. On Sunday, they targeted another Liberian-flagged ship, Magic Seas, leading to speculation of a broader campaign against maritime commerce in the Red Sea amid ongoing conflicts in the region. Thankfully, all 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were rescued, highlighting the precarious nature of navigation in these waters.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have increased their offensive on merchant vessels, attacking approximately 70 ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in several casualties. The militia insists their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause amidst the volatile clash between Israel and Hamas, despite frequent claims of targeting primarily vessels associated with Israel, the US, or the UK.
In response to this latest violent incident, the European Union's naval mission Operation Aspides has stepped in to aid search and rescue efforts. So far, six crew members have been recovered, and teams are working relentlessly to find the remaining 19, as noted by authorities. Maritime specialists from Greece's Diaplous security firm released a video showing the brave rescue efforts of at least five survivors, who endured more than a day at sea.
The US State Department issued strong condemnation against the Houthi attacks, branding them a threat to maritime freedom and regional stability. They emphasized that the United States remains committed to ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping in the region.
In light of these developments, calls for renewed diplomatic efforts have been voiced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscoring the urgent need to prevent further violations of international law and protect seafarers from the repercussions of escalating maritime violence in the Red Sea.
