The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has escalated after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, the Eternity C, was attacked by armed assailants, resulting in the death of two crew members, according to the Liberian government.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the ship suffered “significant damage” and lost all propulsion following an attack with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) launched from small boats. The vessel is now adrift and listing, with its crew under extreme distress.
The Liberian representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) called the incident “horrific,” emphasizing the human toll of rising hostilities in the region.
Who Is Responsible?
Though no group has officially claimed responsibility, the United States embassy in Yemen directly accused Yemen’s Houthi rebels, labeling it their “most violent attack to date” on commercial shipping.
“The Houthis are once again showing blatant disregard for human life and international law,” said a statement from the embassy.
The attack occurred just one day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting another Liberian cargo ship, the Magic Seas, using missiles and sea drones. That crew managed to evacuate safely.
What the IMO and Experts Say
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the incident:
“The resumption of deplorable attacks in the Red Sea is a renewed violation of international law and freedom of navigation. Innocent seafarers are paying the price.”
The Eternity C had a 22-member crew, comprised of 21 Filipinos and one Russian, according to Reuters.
This marks the first deadly attack on Red Sea shipping since June 2024, bringing the total number of seafarer deaths to six since November 2023, when Houthi assaults on maritime targets escalated.
Wider Context: Why It Matters
The Houthis claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. They insist they are only targeting vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., though their claims often lack verification.
Despite a U.S.-Houthi ceasefire deal in May 2025, hostilities have persisted. The Houthis have vowed to continue attacking Israeli targets, and Israel has retaliated with strikes on Houthi-controlled ports like Hudaydah.
Conclusion
The attack on the Eternity C underscores the increasing risk to global commerce in the Red Sea corridor, a vital artery for international shipping. With ceasefire deals fragile and Iran-backed Houthi aggression intensifying, maritime security in the region is under unprecedented threat.
