Private security companies have concluded the search for 11 missing crew members following the sinking of the bulk carrier Eternity C in the Red Sea on July 7. The vessel was struck by Houthi fighters using small arms and explosive-laden drones during a prolonged assault, which left four individuals presumed dead.
The Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned ship, was not under US or European naval protection at the time. The attack occurred just a day after another Liberian-flagged vessel, Magic Seas, was similarly hit and sunk. Both incidents are part of a broader campaign by the Iran-backed Houthi group targeting commercial shipping routes in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
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Ten survivors were rescued, including eight Filipinos, one Greek, and one Indian, according to the European Union’s Operation Aspides. The Houthis claimed to have captured some crew members, but no evidence has been provided. The US Embassy in Yemen said it believes “the rebels had ‘kidnapped’ some of the crew.”
“The decision to end the search has been taken by the vessel’s owner reluctantly,” said a joint statement from the Ambrey and Diaplous security firms.
Satellite images analyzed by Planet Labs PBC show extensive oil slicks trailing from both sunken ships, raising concerns over marine pollution. Analysts warn the spills—spanning up to 80 kilometers—could harm ecosystems near Eritrea.
Since late 2023, Houthi fighters have attacked more than 100 ships in the Red Sea, sinking four and killing at least eight sailors.