Houthi Drone Boat Attack Forces Crew to Abandon Ship in Red Sea

In a significant escalation of maritime violence in the Red Sea, crew members aboard the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas abandoned ship after a series of attacks attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels. The incident occurred overnight, prompting immediate concerns regarding maritime security in a vital trade corridor. Reports indicate that the vessel was struck by drone boats and subjected to small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, marking a troubling continuation of hostilities in the region.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre, the attack took place approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, a region controlled by the Houthi insurgents. The situation escalated when the vessel was reported to be taking on water, leading to the crew's decision to evacuate. The British military reported that an armed security team on board returned fire during the initial assault, although details regarding the outcome of that engagement remain unclear.

The Houthi rebels, while not immediately claiming responsibility for this specific attack, have been involved in a broader campaign targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. This renewed aggression follows a period of self-imposed ceasefire and has raised alarms among international shipping companies and military analysts alike.

Mohammad al-Basha, a Yemen analyst at the Basha Report risk advisory firm, commented, "This attack serves as a reminder of the Houthis' capability to strike strategic maritime targets, regardless of ongoing diplomatic negotiations in the region."

The escalation comes at a particularly sensitive time in the Middle East, as tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict remain high. The Houthis have framed their maritime operations as a response to perceived aggression against Palestinians, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen's information minister for the exiled government, condemned the attack, asserting that it exemplifies the Houthis' role as proxies for Iranian interests in the region.

"This incident reflects the Houthis' ongoing strategy to undermine regional stability while receiving support in terms of military technology from Iran," al-Eryani stated, emphasizing the need for international vigilance.

Historically, the Red Sea has been a crucial maritime route, with approximately $1 trillion worth of goods transiting through it annually. However, the frequency of Houthi attacks has significantly disrupted trade in recent years, resulting in heightened security measures and caution among shipping companies. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis reportedly targeted over 100 vessels, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors.

As the situation develops, the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet has acknowledged awareness of the incident but has refrained from providing additional details. The attack on the Magic Seas follows a series of missile and drone strikes by the Houthis against vessels in the region, which they claim are efforts to retaliate against Israeli operations in Gaza.

Amidst this backdrop, maritime security firms like Ambrey have raised alarms over the potential implications of using drone boats in such attacks, indicating a significant escalation in tactics employed by the Houthis. The international community remains watchful as military and diplomatic responses are debated.

Looking ahead, the potential for further incidents in the Red Sea raises concerns about the stability of maritime trade routes and the increasing complexity of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The situation underscores the need for robust maritime security strategies and international collaboration to safeguard critical trade infrastructure. With the ongoing conflict in Yemen and regional hostilities, the implications of such attacks extend beyond immediate military concerns, affecting global trade dynamics and international relations.