In response to an urgent distress call, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ASPIDES launched a search operation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Under Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo’s leadership, the mission aims to safeguard civilian ships and crews, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in maritime security.
The future of ocean carriers in the Red Sea remains uncertain despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Experts highlight challenges like complex network adjustments, potential renewed hostilities, and port congestion risks. Re-establishing services through the Suez Canal could take months, with no guarantees of stability in the region.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning regarding increased interference affecting Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) displays. Reports of disruptions, particularly around Bandar-e-Pars, the Strait of Hormuz, and Port Sudan, have surged since October 3, raising safety concerns for maritime operators.
A Filipino seafarer tragically lost his life during a Houthi attack on the freighter Minervagracht. Reports revealed he was unaware of his right to disembark before entering a dangerous zone. The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers emphasized that maritime regulations protect seafarers from being sent into war zones without consent.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a new advisory due to increased interference affecting the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and AIS displays. Reports of anomalies have surged, particularly near Bandar-e-Pars, the Strait of Hormuz, and Port Sudan. Ships are urged to exercise heightened caution amid ongoing GPS issues in Qatar.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions in the region, impacting international shipping. A recent attack by Houthi rebels on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht highlights the growing threat posed by these Iranian-backed forces, raising concerns about maritime safety and potential disruptions in global trade routes.
The cruise ship Aroya, part of the Cruise Saudi initiative, recently made a significant transit of the Suez Canal, a rare feat for passenger vessels. Carrying approximately 2,300 passengers and 1,500 crew, it is set to visit Sharm El-Sheikh before concluding its journey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
On Saturday, Microsoft reported increased latency for Azure users due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea. Although the disruptions were acknowledged and traffic rerouted, permanent repairs may take longer. Internet traffic monitor NetBlocks identified the cuts near Jeddah, highlighting the vulnerability of subsea cables to both accidental and intentional damage.
A merchant vessel narrowly escaped an attack off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, an area usually safe for maritime traffic. This incident followed an Israeli airstrike on Houthi leaders, raising security concerns. The crew reported a loud bang but remained unharmed, while investigations into the incident are underway.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels announced they had “rescued” 11 seafarers from the Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C, which they attacked earlier this month. Photographs show ten crew members, but the status of the 11th remains unclear. Israeli media criticized the footage as propaganda, raising concerns about the crew’s treatment.
Three Ilonggo crew members from the cargo ship MV Eternity C, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, have returned to Iloilo. Families and officials from OWWA 6 welcomed them home. While the crew is safe, one member remains in Metro Manila, and authorities continue searching for four missing individuals.
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.
