Red Sea Escalation: Houthis Attack Liberian Cargo Ship, Two Missing, Two Injured

Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalated tensions in the Red Sea with an hourslong attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, further destabilizing the already volatile region amid broader Middle East unrest. The latest strike targeted the Greek-owned Eternity C as it transited toward the Suez Canal, drawing condemnation from global maritime and security authorities.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the vessel remains “surrounded by small craft and is under continuous attack,” as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. The assault reportedly left two crew members injured and two others unaccounted for.

The ship came under fire late Monday night by small boats and drone-borne explosives. Security personnel on board the Eternity C returned fire during the attack. These details were independently confirmed by both the European Union’s anti-piracy mission, Operation Atalanta, and maritime security firm Ambrey.

Rising Pattern of Maritime Assaults

While the Houthis have yet to claim responsibility for the Eternity C attack, Yemen’s internationally recognized exiled government and the European Union force have squarely blamed the Iran-backed rebel group.

This follows a separate assault on the Magic Seas bulk carrier on Sunday. That vessel—also Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned—was hit by drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. The 22-member crew abandoned ship, and the Houthis later announced it had sunk in the Red Sea.

EU Operation Atalanta Confirms Crew Rescue

Following the sinking of the Magic Seas, the EU naval mission Operation Atalanta confirmed it successfully coordinated the rescue of the ship’s crew. In an official statement, EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta reported that 22 personnel were recovered safely from the vessel after it was attacked 51 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.

The MV Magic Seas was assaulted by multiple small ships using a variety of weapons, resulting in severe damage and a fire on board. After the crew abandoned ship, Atalanta established direct communication with a nearby merchant vessel operator, enabling the safe rescue of all crew members. The mission also worked closely with the Djibouti Coast Guard to coordinate the disembarkation of the rescued crew.

The statement emphasized the importance of “real-time communication and coordinated efforts among regional and international maritime security stakeholders to ensure the safety of seafarers in high-risk areas.” Atalanta has urged all commercial vessels transiting the region to enroll in the Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS) operated by the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO).

Wider Regional Implications

The fresh wave of Houthi maritime aggression comes amid escalating tensions across the Middle East. Early Monday, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, marking a sharp military response amid fears of a broader conflict spillover.

The Red Sea confrontations also coincide with precarious developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations, and growing uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear intentions. Following last month’s U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the Israel-Iran war, Tehran has signaled reluctance to return to diplomatic talks.

The Trump administration has already ramped up regional military posturing, with senior defense officials warning that renewed Houthi aggression could prompt further U.S. intervention. The Biden-era restraint has now given way to a more aggressive stance under President Trump’s second term leadership.

Outlook: Shipping on Alert

As of Tuesday, security advisories remain in effect across Red Sea corridors. The EU’s Operation Atalanta continues to monitor hostile Houthi naval movements, and commercial shipping firms have been urged to reroute or delay voyages through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

With maritime attacks now linked directly to the broader Middle East conflict nexus, analysts warn that any misstep could draw the U.S. and its allies deeper into a multifront regional conflict—impacting global oil flows, trade supply chains, and security in the Indian Ocean basin.

(with inputs from the Associated Press and EU Operation Atalanta)