Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they had “rescued” 11 seafarers from the Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C, which they attacked and sank earlier this month in the Red Sea. Photographs released by the Houthis show ten crew members, including various engineers and a security guard, but it remains unclear if the reported 11th member, possibly deceased, is included.
The Houthis also shared a six-minute video claiming to depict the nighttime rescue, featuring men in life jackets being pulled from the water and treated for injuries. Some crew members were seen in interviews, with one in a hospital bed, raising concerns about whether their statements were made voluntarily. The group asserted that the seafarers received shelter and care, but it is uncertain if they are free to leave.
Israeli media have labeled the footage as “propaganda,” suggesting that the crew echoed Houthi narratives warning against trading with Israel. This incident follows another attack by the Houthis on a Greek-operated vessel, escalating threats to international shipping in the region. Previous incidents have raised questions about the treatment of captured crews, as seen in the lengthy detention of the Galaxy Leader’s crew last year.
