Houthis Sink Two Merchant Ships in the Red Sea Within a Week
Reports indicate that Houthi rebels from Yemen have sunk two merchant ships in the past week, specifically targeting the Greek-operated, Liberian-flagged cargo vessels Magic Seas and Eternity C using missiles, unmanned surface vessels, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
The first attack occurred on July 6, 2025, in the Red Sea, approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. Houthi forces released video evidence showing the Magic Seas being struck by missiles and unmanned surface vessels (USVs), followed by an explosion caused by Yemeni naval forces.
The assault involved eight high-speed boats manned by armed personnel who launched over a dozen RPG-type anti-tank rockets, with four USVs participating in the operation.
The footage indicates that the crew ignored several warnings prior to the strike.
After the impact, special forces boarded the vessel, rigged it with explosives, and detonated it, resulting in its sinking.
The second incident took place on July 7, 2025, targeting the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C. This ship was reportedly attacked using sea drones, fast-moving skiffs, and RPGs. Initial reports suggest that three Filipino crew members were killed in the attack, while another was injured.
The crew abandoned the vessel and were rescued by a nearby merchant ship.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre announced on July 9 that five crew members were saved following the incident, with ongoing efforts to locate those still missing.
According to The Guardian, seven crew members from the cargo ship were rescued, but at least four fatalities have been confirmed, with 14 others unaccounted for.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for both attacks, stating that their targets were vessels associated with Israel as part of their campaign to pressure Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza.
These events mark a resurgence of Houthi assaults on commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea, ending a period of relative calm since the last reported incident on December 26, 2024.
According to France’s MICA Center, these recent attacks do not indicate a change in strategy, as the targeted vessels are evidently linked to Israel, either through port calls or connections with the shipping company. “It may also be that the Houthis aim to exert pressure during the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel.”
