Overview

• The Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C was disabled by sea drones and armed speedboats off Hodeidah, losing propulsion and remaining under continuous attack.
• EU naval force Aspides and the Liberian delegation report the strike killed at least three crew members and wounded two, marking the first seafarer fatalities in the Red Sea since June 2024.
• The assault on Eternity C comes hours after the Houthis claimed to have sunk the MV Magic Seas, intensifying a campaign that has halved shipping traffic through the Suez corridor.
• Shipping association BIMCO warns that sustained threats to Red Sea routes have forced cargo ships to reroute around Africa, driving up freight rates and transit times.
• The United States, United Kingdom and EU naval commands have publicly blamed Houthi rebels and signalled readiness for further military action to protect merchant vessels.