Overview

• On July 9, Houthi forces attacked the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C with sea drones and RPG-armed speedboats, causing it to sink after two days of assaults.
• Five crew members have been rescued and returned to safety, at least three sailors were killed and the US Embassy in Yemen says surviving mariners were taken hostage.
• The Eternity C sinking follows the July 6 attack on the Magic Seas, whose crew were all rescued but whose loss underlined a renewed Houthi campaign against Israel-linked vessels.
• Red Sea traffic has plunged by about 50 percent since late 2023, forcing shipping firms to reroute around Africa and accept higher transit costs and longer delivery times.
• The EU’s Operation Aspides, UK Maritime Trade Operations and the IMO have condemned the strikes as violations of international law and intensified patrols and strikes to safeguard commercial shipping.