According to foreign media reports, the rescue operation for the missing crew members of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier “Eternity C” is still ongoing. The number of rescued individuals has now risen to 10, including eight Filipino crew members, one Indian security personnel, and one Greek security personnel.
The “Eternity C” had a total of 25 crew members (including three security personnel), among whom three Filipino crew members and one Russian crew member tragically lost their lives. Another 11 remain missing, with maritime security agencies telling Reuters that six of them may have been seized by the Houthi group.
Ellie Shafik, Intelligence Director at UK maritime risk management firm Vanguard Tech, stated in a declaration: “We are deeply concerned about the safety of the crew under Houthi control and those still missing. Ensuring their security and facilitating their swift release should be the most urgent priority for all parties involved.”
Public reports indicate that the “Eternity C” was subjected to a combined attack involving bombs, unmanned sea vessels, and rocket fire from speedboats on the day of the assault. The Houthis later released footage of the missile strike, showing thick smoke billowing from the ship. The vessel was confirmed to have sunk on Wednesday.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned: “The situation in the Red Sea is deteriorating, with two consecutive attacks on commercial ships resulting in civilian casualties and increasing risks of environmental damage.”
On Wednesday, the Houthi group claimed that its “naval forces” had rescued some crew members from the “Eternity C,” provided them with medical care, and relocated them to a “safe location.” However, industry experts fear their actions may follow the precedent set last year with the prolonged detention of the “Galaxy Leader” crew for over a year.
Meanwhile, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi reiterated on Thursday that no cargo shipments related to Israel would be allowed to pass through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, or the Arabian Sea, reaffirming the continued enforcement of a blockade on such vessels.
Amid rising tensions, some ships have attempted to distance themselves from sensitive affiliations by displaying declarations such as “NO ISRAEL US EU LINK.” Among them, the Hong Kong-flagged “Blossom Glory” made such a statement while passing through Yemen, with several other vessels taking similar measures.
