Search efforts are ongoing after the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C sank in the Red Sea following an attack by Yemen’s Houthis. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reports that significant damage was inflicted on the vessel using rocket-propelled grenades fired from small boats. Six crew members have been rescued thus far, while authorities confirm at least three fatalities and nineteen individuals remain missing.

The Houthis have stated their attack on the Eternity C was justified as it was allegedly headed towards Israel. In concert with the attack, the US embassy in Yemen reported that the Houthis had abducted several surviving crew members, urging for their immediate release. Among the crew were twenty-one Filipinos and one Russian national, who was severely injured during the incident.

This incident marks the second such assault in a week, following the sinking of another Greek-operated vessel, Magic Seas, which also came under fire from the Houthis. They have claimed that over seventy merchant vessels have been targeted in the Red Sea since November twenty-twenty-three.

The International Maritime Organization has responded to the resurgence of attacks by calling for increased diplomatic efforts to safeguard navigation freedom. The situation continues to evolve as rescue teams work diligently to locate the missing and secure the safety of all crew members involved.