In a disturbing resurgence of maritime violence, two seafarers tragically lost their lives during an attack on the Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C in the Red Sea off Yemen. This incident marks a significant escalation following months of relative calm.
Details of the Attack
The assault occurred when Eternity C, flagged from Liberia, was attacked by drone and speedboat strikes, resulting in the deaths of two crew members—part of a larger pattern of violence that has seen six seafarers killed in the Red Sea since November 2023.
- Location: Approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah port.
- Casualties: 2 dead, 2 injured among a crew of 22, primarily Filipino and one Russian.
- Attack method: Sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades used from manned speedboats.
Wider Context of Maritime Violence
The Houthis, who have pledged to target vessels linked to Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict, claimed responsibility for an earlier attack on another Liberia-flagged vessel, the MV Magic Seas, which also faced hostile actions from armed skiffs.
Despite a ceasefire with the United States established in May 2024, the Houthis have continued to express their intent to attack vessels perceived as having ties to Israel.
Impact on Maritime Trade
According to maritime experts, the recent attacks have led to a nearly 50% drop in shipping traffic in the region. Jakob Larsen, Chief Safety and Security Officer with BIMCO, noted that the unpredictability of the security situation will likely continue to disrupt regular shipping routes.
Global Response to Maritime Threats
With the critical shipping lanes of the Red Sea, which account for about 12% of global trade, under threat, there’s growing concern among shipping companies. Some are now detouring around southern Africa to avoid the conflict zone.
As Liberia’s shipping delegation conveyed to a session with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), “Innocent seafarers and local populations are the main victims of these attacks.” This sheds light on the broader implications for international shipping and trade stemming from the ongoing conflict.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for seafarers to remain aware and exercise caution in these high-risk areas.