DUBAI: Recent attacks on a cargo ship in the Red Sea have resulted in the deaths of three crew members, as reported by a European Union maritime force. The assaults mark a troubling resurgence of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are increasing their aggression against shipping in this critical maritime route.
The cargo ship, named Eternity and registered under the Liberian flag, has suffered significant damage and has been under continuous fire since Monday off the coast of Yemen, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
“The vessel has lost all propulsion and is surrounded by smaller boats, facing ongoing attacks,” stated UKMTO, which is managed by the British navy.
The EU military force operating in the Red Sea, known as Operation Aspides, confirmed that three crew members—a chief engineer, an oiler, and an engine cadet—were killed in the attacks, and at least two others were injured, including a Russian electrician who lost a leg.
Of the 22 crew members on board, most are Filipino nationals, as noted by officials from the Philippines. The U.S. embassy in Yemen condemned the Houthis for what it described as their most violent attack yet on commercial shipping, claiming it threatens navigation freedom in the Red Sea—a key point of a May truce with the group.
While the Houthis have not publicly claimed responsibility for this latest incident, the attacks follow a similar assault on another cargo vessel, the Magic Seas, that occurred just a few days earlier. This string of incidents has raised concerns about a potential return of regular Houthi attacks on a shipping route that historically accounts for about 12% of global trade.
This escalation comes as the United States seeks renewed nuclear discussions with Iran, the Houthis’ key ally, amid the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Mohammed Albasha, an analyst at the Basha Report Risk Advisory, suggested that the rebels may be attempting to signal support for Iran and pressure both the U.S. and Israel.
“The attack on Magic Seas appears to be a message to both Washington and Tel Aviv that Iran’s allied groups are still capable of action,” he said.
On Monday, the Houthis claimed to have utilized unmanned boats, missiles, and drones in their assault on the Magic Seas, marking their first strike against a cargo ship this year. Fortunately, all 22 crew members aboard the Greek-owned vessel were rescued, although the Houthis later claimed the ship had sunk.
The rebels, who have maintained control over large areas of Yemen for over a decade, shifted their focus to targeting Israel and vessels in the Red Sea following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. This change has prompted shipping companies to reroute around the southern tip of Africa, bypassing the Red Sea, which is normally the fastest link between Asia and Europe.
While the Houthis have paused their anti-ship activities since January during Gaza truce negotiations, they have threatened to resume attacks against “Israeli ships” regardless of U.S. interventions aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the Red Sea.
Israel has retaliated against the Houthis with multiple airstrikes, including recent operations aimed at countering missile threats from Yemen. Analysts like Nadwa Dawsari from the Middle East Institute argue that while the Houthis frame their actions as support for Palestinians, their broader ambitions extend beyond Gaza.
“These attacks enhance their regional influence and align with Iran’s wider strategic goals,” she explained.
