Search Concludes for Missing Personnel After Houthi Attack on Ship in Red Sea

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The search for individuals missing after the sinking of the bulk carrier Eternity C, allegedly targeted by Yemen's Houthi rebels, has officially concluded. The search operations, conducted by private security firms, confirmed that at least four people are presumed dead, with 11 others remaining unaccounted for. The announcement, made on Monday, follows a series of attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on maritime vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial shipping corridor through which approximately $1 trillion in goods are transported annually.

The Eternity C was attacked on July 7, shortly after the sinking of another vessel, the Magic Seas, in the same region. Both ships were Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned. Satellite imagery analyzed by Planet Labs PBC revealed extensive oil slicks trailing from the locations of both incidents, raising environmental concerns about potential harm to marine life in the area.

According to the EU’s Operation Aspides, ten crew members were rescued from the Eternity C, including eight Filipino sailors, a Greek security officer, and an Indian crew member. Despite the successful recovery of these individuals, the fate of the missing personnel remains uncertain. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks but have not provided evidence of any captured crew members. The U.S. Embassy in Yemen has suggested that some crew members may have been abducted by the rebels.

The decision to cease search operations was made reluctantly by the ship's owner, who expressed the need to prioritize the medical care of the rescued crew members. The statement emphasized the collective thoughts of all involved in the rescue operations are with the families of those still missing.

Environmental experts have expressed concern over the oil spills resulting from the attacks. Wim Zwijnenburg, an analyst with the Dutch peace organization PAX, estimated the oil slick from the Eternity C extended approximately 80 kilometers, while the slick from the Magic Seas measured about 65 kilometers. He warned that these spills could threaten wildlife reserves in nearby Eritrea and potentially disrupt the delicate marine ecosystem of the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels have intensified their maritime attacks since late 2023, reportedly targeting over 100 vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of four ships and the deaths of at least eight mariners. These actions coincide with ongoing tensions in the region linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, raising the stakes for international shipping and maritime security.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for shipping routes and regional stability remain significant. The Houthis’ actions have led to increased military presence in the area, including the potential for enhanced naval operations by the United States and European forces. The international community watches closely as discussions surrounding a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and nuclear negotiations with Iran linger in a precarious balance.