The UK-based maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the cargo ship Eternity C was attacked on 7/7 by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and two approaching boats while traveling north on the Red Sea.
"The boats allegedly fired upon the vessel, prompting the onboard security team to return fire," Ambrey stated. The Liberian-flagged Eternity C, operated by a Greek company, had a crew of 22, including 21 Filipino citizens and one Russian.
A Liberian representative stated at a meeting of the UN's International Maritime Organization that the incident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least two others.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), run by the British navy, the attack occurred approximately 94 km west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida. The UKMTO reported on 8/7 that the Eternity C was severely damaged and unable to move.
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The cargo ship Eternity C. Photo: Marine Traffic |
The cargo ship Eternity C. Photo: Marine Traffic
This incident followed the Houthi armed group in Yemen's claim on 6/7 that they had deployed unmanned boats, missiles, and UAVs to attack the cargo ship Magic Seas in the Red Sea, causing it to "sink completely." The group declared the ship a "legitimate target" for doing business with and using ports in Israel.
Meanwhile, AFP reported that the Magic Seas was severely damaged, and the crew was rescued. The Magic Seas was also a Liberian-flagged vessel operated by a Greek company.
This marks the first Houthi attack on a cargo ship this year. The armed group has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the Eternity C.
The Houthi group began attacking Israeli territory and ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the conflict in the Gaza Strip erupted in late 2023 to show support for Palestinians in the territory.
In response, the Israeli military has conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi-related targets in Yemen, including strikes on 6/7 targeting the port city of Hodeida and surrounding areas.
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Location of the Red Sea and surrounding areas. Graphic: Wikimedia |
Location of the Red Sea and surrounding areas. Graphic: Wikimedia
The Houthi group reached a ceasefire agreement with the US in May after weeks of intense US airstrikes. However, the group only committed to not attacking US warships in the Red Sea and did not agree to halt attacks on Israel and cargo ships connected to Tel Aviv.
Pham Giang (According to AFP)
