Greek Ship Sinks After Houthi Attack In Red Sea, Death Toll Rises 

Many crew remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of Houthi attack on Greek-operated bulker in Red  Sea

Eternity C — the Liberian-flagged bulker was attacked by Houthi drones and skiffs on July 7 which in turn has sunk, according to multiple reports.

As search and rescue operations continue, the fate of the ship’s 22 crew and three-person security team remains unclear. Reuters has reported two crew members injured and four killed in the attack and its aftermath.

An updated notice from UKMTO on July 9 said five crew members had been rescued since search and rescue operations began overnight. Reuters reports that the rescued include four crew members and one private maritime security contractor who were pulled from the water after more than 24 hours in the sea.

The fate of the remaining crew and security contractors has yet to be confirmed. Reports have raised concerns that the Houthi attackers may have taken some crew hostage.

The attack on Eternity C left the vessel with significant damage and no propulsion, according to a UKMTO warning. An update on July 8 said the ship was surrounded by small craft and under continuous attack.

The initial incident closely followed a missile and USV attack on Magic Seas on July 6. The crew of Magic Seas successfully abandoned ship and were all subsequently rescued. A Houthi video has been released showing the attack starting with initial radio warnings and ending with Houthi forces boarding the abandoned vessel to place explosives which were detonated to sink the ship.

If the fatalities from the latest Houthi attack are officially confirmed, they will add to the three seafarers killed by the group in the attack on True Confidence in March 2024, and one killed on Tutor in June 2024.

The Houthi said they continue to offer safe passage to international shipping with the exception of vessels with ties to Israel, including ships with a history of calling Israeli ports, and those owned and operated by companies with other vessels calling Israeli ports.

Before the renewed attacks this week, there had been 112 incidents recorded in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, including six serious incidents, 42 minor incidents, 46 attempted attacks, and four hijackings, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC). Four mariners have been killed and two seriously injured in Houthi attacks on merchant ships.