The search for the crew of the Eternity C, a bulk carrier sunk by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, has officially ended, with four mariners presumed dead and 11 still missing. The ship was attacked on July 7, suffering a barrage of drones, explosive boats, and gunfire before sinking the next day. This incident followed the sinking of another vessel, the Magic Seas, marking a particularly deadly week for maritime violence in the region.
Environmental concerns have escalated due to significant oil slicks from both wrecks. Satellite imagery shows the slick from the Eternity C extending over 80 km, while the Magic Seas trail spans about 65 km, threatening marine ecosystems, particularly in Eritrea. Ten crew members were rescued, including eight Filipinos, one Greek, and one Indian security member, but hopes for the missing remain dim.
The Houthis have taken responsibility for these attacks, claiming they target companies linked to Israel, as both ships had previously docked there. The U.S. embassy in Yemen has accused the Houthis of kidnapping some survivors, a claim that remains unverified. Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 assaults on commercial vessels, raising fears of maritime terrorism and prompting some crews to declare their neutrality in an effort to avoid being targeted. Consequently, daily transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait have significantly decreased, leading shipowners to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope for safety.
