The Red Sea has become a deadly battleground as Iran-backed Houthi militants continue their violent campaign against international shipping, with two Greek-operated vessels sunk in separate attacks within a week. In the most recent attack, the Eternity C was targeted near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, resulting in at least four confirmed deaths—one Russian and three Filipino crew members—while 14 others remain missing and seven were rescued. Will these attacks significantly impact global shipping costs and supply chains?
Deadly Escalation in Houthi Maritime Attacks
Houthi militants have dramatically escalated their attacks on international shipping, with two Greek-operated cargo vessels sunk in the Red Sea within a single week. The most recent attack on the Eternity C resulted in at least four confirmed deaths, marking the first fatalities from Red Sea shipping attacks since June 2024, with an additional 14 crew members still missing and seven rescued from the waters off Yemen’s coast.
The attack on the Eternity C involved sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired by Houthi forces, causing the Liberian-flagged vessel to sink near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesman, confirmed the group’s responsibility, stating bluntly: “The naval force of the Yemeni armed forces targeted the ship.”
BREAKING:
The Houthis have published a video of their attack against the Greek-owned bulk carrier Eternity C.
The killed a number of Filipino sailors and took several more hostage.
This video shows the ship sinking earlier today pic.twitter.com/Ze2DyWTUxq
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 9, 2025
Captured on Video: The Sinking of Magic Seas
Just days before the Eternity C attack, the Houthis released shocking footage showing militants boarding and destroying the Magic Seas cargo ship. The video documents armed militants methodically placing explosives throughout the 650-foot vessel before detonating them, causing the ship to sink in the vital shipping lane.
Despite the destruction of the vessel, all 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were rescued by a passing merchant vessel. Both attacked ships flew Liberian flags and were operated by Greek companies, fitting the pattern of Houthi targeting of vessels they claim have connections to Israel or Israeli interests.
"Yemen's Houthis sank a Greek-flagged cargo ship in the Red Sea for violating the Israeli blockade."
YEMEN 🇾🇪✌️ pic.twitter.com/AffOusAjQd— Volkan Albistan (@valbistan) July 8, 2025
International Response and Security Concerns
The United States has strongly condemned these attacks, with State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating: “These attacks demonstrate the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose to freedom of navigation and to regional economic and maritime security.” The attacks have prompted leading shipping associations to call for enhanced maritime security measures in the region, while the EU’s Aspides naval mission confirmed its involvement in rescue operations.
These recent attacks mark a resumption of Houthi maritime assaults following a brief pause that coincided with ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. The Houthis have explicitly threatened vessels associated with Israel, with their leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi reiterating a ban on navigation linked to Israel in specific sea areas, despite previous US-Houthi negotiations to stop shipping attacks.
The Red Sea remains a crucial waterway for global oil and commodities, though traffic has significantly declined due to the ongoing Houthi campaign. Greek officials are reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the incidents, as international partners seek solutions to protect this vital shipping route from further attacks that threaten both human lives and global commerce.