Yemen’s Houthi rebels have resumed attacks on shipping, marking a significant escalation after a period of relative quiet. Recently, a Liberian-flagged bulker, the Magic Seas, was targeted by multiple small craft armed with rocket-propelled grenades in the Red Sea, prompting major ocean carriers to continue avoiding the area.
The incident occurred about 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, where the armed security team on the Magic Seas engaged the attackers. Reports indicate that an RPG struck the ship’s bridge, leading to a fire onboard and the vessel taking on water. The crew was preparing to abandon ship as the situation escalated.
The Magic Seas is owned by Allseas Marine, a Greek company with ties to Israeli shipping. The Houthis have previously threatened to target assets linked to Israeli interests, despite a temporary ceasefire on American vessels following U.S. airstrikes earlier this year. The group’s warning against Israeli shipping remains active.
In a related advisory, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) cautioned that further Israeli strikes on Houthi-held ports could occur, urging shipowners to carefully assess the risks of navigating in these waters.
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