Search for Survivors Intensifies After Houthi Attack on Cargo Ship

Rescue operations are underway following a devastating attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, the Eternity C, in the Red Sea on July 9, 2025. The assault resulted in at least three fatalities and left two others injured, prompting immediate search efforts from maritime authorities.

The Eternity C, which was reportedly en route to the Suez Canal, came under fire from small boats and bomb-carrying drones late Monday night. The vessel, owned by a Greek shipping company, sustained significant damage and lost all propulsion, drifting in the Red Sea with crew members still aboard. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), search and rescue operations commenced overnight, leading to the successful rescue of five crew members thus far.

This incident marks a troubling resurgence of Houthi attacks on maritime targets, a trend that had diminished since late 2024. Just days prior, the Houthis sank another cargo ship, the Magic Seas, in the same region, raising alarms about the rebels' growing capability to disrupt shipping in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.

The European Union's Operation Aspides, which monitors security in the Red Sea, alongside the private security firm Ambrey, confirmed details of the attack, although the Houthis had not yet claimed responsibility as of the latest updates. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, condemned the actions, stating, "These attacks demonstrate the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose to freedom of navigation and to regional economic and maritime security." Bruce reiterated the United States' commitment to maintaining the safety of maritime routes against such threats.

The aftermath of the attack reveals the dire situation for the remaining crew members, with reports indicating that one of the wounded lost a leg during the assault. The current status of the Eternity C remains uncertain, as authorities continue to navigate the complexities of rescue operations amidst ongoing security threats in the region.

Experts warn that this escalation in Houthi aggression could have significant implications for international shipping and trade in the Red Sea. Dr. Michael Roberts, a maritime security expert at the Institute for Maritime Research, indicated that "the return of such attacks could deter shipping lines from operating in the area, leading to increased shipping costs and potential rerouting of vessels."

The international community, including entities like the United Nations and the European Union, is closely monitoring the situation, with discussions ongoing regarding enhanced security measures in the Red Sea.

As rescue operations continue, the fate of the crew aboard the Eternity C remains precarious, highlighting the persistent risks posed by regional conflicts on global maritime trade. The implications of this incident extend beyond immediate rescue efforts, raising critical questions about security in key shipping lanes and the ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions in the region.