Three crew killed in houthi attack on Greek vessel in red sea

Tuesday 08 July 2025 - 14:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Three crew killed in houthi attack on Greek vessel in red sea

An attack by Yemen’s Houthi militants on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C in the Red Sea has left three crew members dead and two others wounded, according to a statement from the European Union naval force on Tuesday. The assault marks a troubling escalation in threats to one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes.

Renewed Houthi attacks raise security concerns

The Eternity C, a Greek-owned bulk carrier, was en route to the Suez Canal when it came under assault on Monday night. Men in small boats and bomb-laden drones targeted the ship, prompting security guards on board to return fire. The attack left the vessel adrift in the Red Sea, with one of the injured crew members reportedly losing a leg.

Although the Houthi group has not claimed responsibility, Yemen’s exiled government and the European Union’s Operation Aspides have attributed the attack to the militant group. The incident follows the sinking of another Greek-owned Liberian-flagged vessel, Magic Seas, which was attacked on Sunday by drones, missiles, and small arms fire, forcing its 22-member crew to abandon ship. The Houthis later confirmed they sank the vessel.

These twin assaults are the first Houthi-claimed attacks on shipping since November 2024, signaling a potential resumption of their campaign against vessels in the region. Between late 2023 and early 2025, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant ships, severely disrupting trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically handles $1 trillion in annual shipping.

Escalation amid regional tensions

The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. A fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict hangs in the balance, while Iran considers resuming nuclear negotiations following recent US airstrikes on its atomic facilities. The Houthis claim their strikes against both commercial and military vessels are part of a broader effort to pressure Israel over its offensive in Gaza.

The renewed campaign could draw international forces back into the region, with fears of further disruptions to Red Sea shipping lanes. The corridor had recently seen an increase in maritime traffic after months of reduced activity caused by previous Houthi operations.

Broader implications for global trade and security

The escalation highlights the strategic importance of the Red Sea, which connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Any sustained assault on vessels in the region could have significant repercussions for global trade, energy supplies, and regional stability. The European Union naval force and private security firms are closely monitoring the situation, as the international community braces for further developments.