The Philippine government confirmed the safe return of eight Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Arriving on July 16 at NAIA Terminal 1, they will receive financial assistance, medical care, and reintegration support following coordinated efforts by the Department of Migrant Workers.
The Yemeni Armed Forces released footage of the Houthi attack on the MV Eternity C on July 7, 2025. Five Filipino crew members and an Indian guard were rescued, but the fate of 22 others remains uncertain. The U.S. condemned the attack, labeling it terrorism, while investigations into safety violations are ongoing.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for sinking the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C earlier this week, following a similar attack on the Magic Seas. This marks a troubling escalation in assaults on Red Sea shipping, raising significant security concerns in the region.
Seventeen crew members remain missing after the MV Eternity C sank in the Red Sea. The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that two fatalities were previously reported, but the exact death toll is unclear. Rescue operations continue, with five survivors safe and providing critical information about the incident.
Greece has urged the International Maritime Organization to unite against rising tensions in the Red Sea, following attacks on Greek-owned vessels, Magic Seas and Eternity C. The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs highlighted the need for restoring order in line with international maritime laws and issued safety guidelines for shipowners.
Two crew members were killed in an attack on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Eternity, in the Red Sea, confirmed a representative from Liberia at the International Maritime Organization. The incident marks a resurgence of assaults by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, raising concerns over the safety of seafarers in the region.
The security situation in the Red Sea has sharply deteriorated, with attacks on merchant vessels and Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni ports. The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C was targeted, leaving it adrift with 22 crew members. This incident, alongside similar assaults, raises serious concerns over maritime safety in the region.
On July 7, the UAE successfully rescued 22 individuals from the British-flagged vessel Magic Seas, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Amid challenging conditions, the UAE’s Safa Breeze responded to the distress call, ensuring all crew and security staff were safely evacuated in coordination with international maritime organizations.
Crew members of the Liberian-flagged ship Magic Seas abandoned their vessel after it was attacked in the Red Sea, highlighting escalating violence in this vital trade route. The ship, owned by a Greek company, faced bomb-laden drone boats and small arms fire, raising serious concerns about maritime safety.
A merchant ship off Yemen’s coast caught fire after being attacked by armed men in small boats, according to the UK’s maritime safety agency. The incident involved rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, escalating as armed security onboard returned fire. This aligns with Yemen’s intensified military operations amid the Gaza conflict.
The Suez Canal Authority is offering a 15% discount on transit fees for cargo ships over 130,000 metric tons starting May 15, lasting 90 days. This decision responds to the Red Sea security crisis, following a ceasefire with the Houthi militia, amid ongoing threats toward vessels linked to Israel.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident involving a vessel 100 nautical miles east of Yemen’s Aden. The crew is safe despite being followed by small boats and shots fired. UKMTO’s quick response emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the maritime industry. Cooperation among authorities is crucial to address potential threats effectively.
The cost of shipping goods through the Red Sea is expected to remain high due to recent U.S. airstrikes on Yemen targeting Houthi rebels. War risk premiums for ships passing through the region have fluctuated. Insurance rates are expected to increase in response to the heightened threat profile.
During the 14th Annual International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference, Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, reported that 47 ships have rerouted through the canal this month, signaling renewed stability in the Red Sea. He urged collaborative efforts to tackle security challenges impacting global supply chains.
The European Union has extended Operation Aspides, its maritime security initiative in the Red Sea, until February 28, 2026, with over 17 million euros allocated. Led by counter-admiral Vasiseios Gyparis, the operation aims to ensure safe navigation amidst regional tensions, focusing on intelligence related to arms trafficking and shadow fleets.
