In a troubling escalation of maritime violence, two crew members aboard the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C were killed in a brutal attack in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has been attributed to Houthi militants, according to accusations from the US embassy in Yemen. The attack left the vessel adrift and severely damaged, marking a significant threat to commercial shipping in the region.

Escalating Maritime Threats

The Eternity C, managed by Greek firm Cosmoship Management, was targeted by sea drones and skiffs, resulting in significant damage and the loss of propulsion. The 22-member crew, predominantly Filipino, faced a harrowing ordeal as the ship was hit by rocket-propelled grenades. This attack is part of a series of assaults by the Houthis, who have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

International Condemnation and Legal Implications

The US embassy in Yemen has condemned the attack as the Houthis' "most violent" assault on a commercial vessel to date, accusing the group of defying UN Security Council demands and threatening regional stability. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the violation of international maritime law, calling for constructive dialogue to prevent further loss of life and environmental damage.

A Broader Conflict

The attack on the Eternity C follows a similar assault on the Greek-operated MV Magic Seas, which was forced to abandon ship after being targeted by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades. The Houthis claimed responsibility for this attack, asserting that they had sunk the vessel, although independent verification is lacking. The Magic Seas was carrying iron and fertilizers from China to Turkey, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these attacks.