Deadly Houthi Strike Sinks Cargo Ship in Red Sea, Leaving 4 Dead and 15 Missing

A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, Eternity C, has sunk in the Red Sea following a deadly missile and drone strike attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The incident has left at least four sailors confirmed dead, 15 others missing, and only six crew members rescued, according to the European Union’s Operation Aspides naval force.

The Eternity C, a Greek-operated ship, was attacked near the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah while en route northbound towards the Suez Canal. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the strike, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza as their motive and labelling the vessel as linked to Israeli interests.

Footage released by the rebel group appears to show the targeted strike on the vessel, including radio warnings to evacuate and footage of explosions on deck. The United States Mission in Yemen, however, has accused the Houthis of kidnapping surviving crew members and demanded their safe and immediate release.

According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the ship suffered critical damage and lost propulsion before sinking. UK-based maritime security firm Ambrey also confirmed the loss of the ship in the Red Sea.

Operation Aspides reported that among the survivors rescued were five Filipino nationals and one Indian, out of a 25-member combined crew and security team.

Shipping associations around the globe, including the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO, have jointly condemned the assault, calling it a grave violation of international maritime law and a threat to global shipping.

“These vessels have been attacked with callous disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers,” the associations stated.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for sustained international protection of key maritime trade routes.”

This incident marks the second such attack within days. On Sunday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for sinking another Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Magic Seas. All crew members aboard that vessel were rescued.

Both ships were operated by Greek companies, and both attacks mark a potential resurgence in maritime aggression after a brief lull earlier in 2025. Between November 2023 and January 2025, Houthi forces carried out over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in the region, sinking two, seizing one, and killing at least four seafarers.

The Houthis have recently reaffirmed their threat to maritime traffic tied to Israeli interests, vowing to continue strikes until Israel halts its military actions in Gaza and lifts the blockade.

U.S. and EU authorities were quick to blame the Iran-backed Houthi group, with U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce issuing a strong rebuke:

“These attacks demonstrate the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose to freedom of navigation and regional maritime security,” she said.
“The United States remains committed to protecting commercial shipping from these acts of terrorism.”

While a ceasefire agreement was reached between Washington and the Houthis in May—ending a U.S.-led bombing campaign in exchange for a halt on attacks against U.S. vessels—the rebels insist that the truce does not extend to Israeli-linked ships.

Reports indicate that the Eternity C was attacked late Monday night by explosive-laden drones and small armed boats. Security personnel aboard the vessel reportedly attempted to repel the assault, but the ship was ultimately overwhelmed and sank.

The vessel’s operator, Cosmoship Management, has yet to release an official statement regarding casualties or survivors.

If confirmed, the four deaths would be the first maritime fatalities in the Red Sea since June 2024, underscoring the escalating danger posed to civilian shipping in the region.