ATHENS, July 9, 2025 — The cargo ship Eternity C sank in the Red Sea on Wednesday following a deadly two-day assault by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia, marking a tragic escalation in maritime attacks after months of relative calm.
Key Highlights (Eternity C Sinks):
- Six crew members rescued, 15 still missing
- Four confirmed dead in the attack
- Second ship sunk in recent days after Magic Seas
- Houthi rebels claim responsibility
- Global shipping lanes under renewed threat
Attack Details and Rescue Efforts
The Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged vessel operated by a Greek shipping firm, was first attacked on Monday with sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched from speedboats. A second strike on Tuesday left the ship adrift and listing, forcing the 25 people onboard — including 21 Filipinos, one Russian, and three armed guards — to abandon ship.
By Wednesday morning, the vessel had sunk. Six survivors were pulled from the sea after spending over 24 hours in the water, according to maritime security sources and the EU’s Aspides naval mission. Four crew members were confirmed dead, and 15 remain unaccounted for.
Houthi Militants Revive Maritime Campaign
The Houthis, who previously halted their maritime attacks earlier this year, claimed responsibility for the Eternity C strike. The group also admitted to sinking the Magic Seas on Sunday, though all crew members from that vessel were rescued.
These renewed assaults are part of a broader campaign, the Houthis say, in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. From November 2023 to December 2024, the group targeted over 100 commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Global Shipping and Oil Markets Impacted
The Red Sea, particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait, is vital for global oil and commodities trade. According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, recent attacks have caused a noticeable drop in vessel traffic, with daily sailings falling from 43 on July 1 to 30 on July 8.
Oil prices surged on Wednesday, reaching their highest levels since late June, driven by fears of further disruptions to maritime trade.
International Response and Industry Outcry
Shipping industry leaders condemned the attacks, calling them a “callous disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers.” They urged nations to bolster naval protection for commercial vessels in the region.
Greece, home to the ship’s operator, Cosmoship Management, is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia regarding the incident. Meanwhile, concerns remain that some missing crew members may have been kidnapped, as skiffs were seen in the area during rescue operations.
Conclusion
The sinking of the Eternity C underscores the fragile security situation in the Red Sea and the urgent need for coordinated international action to safeguard maritime routes. As rescue efforts continue, the world watches closely for the fate of the missing crew and the broader implications for global trade.
Source: Reuters
