Four Crew Members Presumed Dead Following Houthi Attack
In a troubling development, four crew members of a cargo ship attacked by Yemeni Houthi rebels earlier this week have been declared presumed dead, according to the European Union’s Operation Aspides naval task force. This announcement was made on Friday, as search operations continue in the Red Sea to locate the missing personnel.
The cargo ship, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier named Eternity C, was targeted over two days before ultimately sinking off the port city of Hodeida. This incident marks the second assault on maritime shipping in the Red Sea within just two days, following a lengthy period of reduced hostile activity from the Houthis.
Details of the Attack on Eternity C
On Monday, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched an aggressive assault on the Eternity C, a vessel with 25 crew members on board. The attack has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of maritime operations in this crucial waterway.
Sources reveal that current efforts are focused on search and rescue operations being conducted by a private company in the vicinity of the attack site. The European naval task force indicated that 15 crew members remain unaccounted for, with the presumed casualties included among them.
Houthi Claims and Accusations
In a declaration made on Wednesday, the Houthi forces claimed they had ‘rescued’ some of the crew members from the Eternity C and relocated them to safety. However, this assertion was met with skepticism, as the United States Embassy in Yemen accused the Houthi rebels of kidnapping the surviving crew.
The Houthis, who control a significant portion of Yemen, had notably ramped up their attacks post a brief ceasefire related to the Gaza conflict earlier in January. This resurgence in violence underscores the ongoing tensions and the rebels’ stated objective of aligning themselves with the Palestinian struggle.
Implications for Regional Maritime Security
These recent attacks on the Red Sea shipping lanes highlight a significant threat to regional maritime security, particularly as the Houthis continue their campaign against vessels they perceive to be connected to Israeli interests. This resurgence of hostilities could prompt increased naval patrols and a reassessment of security protocols in the crucial shipping corridors.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, aware that disruptions in this vital maritime route could have far-reaching implications for global trade and regional stability.
