Rescuers are engaged in a search for over a dozen crew members missing after Yemen’s Houthi rebels reportedly sunk a ship in the Red Sea. The United States has alleged the group may have “kidnapped” the crew.
The Houthis have released footage showing the sinking of the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned Eternity C. According to reports the rebels targeted it with gunfire and explosive drones over a period of hours, resulting in the deaths of at least three crew members.
The attack on the Eternity C, coupled with the sinking of the bulk carrier Magic Seas after an attack on Sunday, marks an escalation in violence by the Houthis, who had previously scaled back attacks as part of their campaign linked to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
The potential for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, as well as the ongoing discussions between the US and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, remain uncertain.
The European Union naval mission in the Red Sea indicated that the Eternity C’s crew comprised 22 sailors, including 21 Filipinos and one Russian, alongside a three-member security team. On Wednesday, rescuers recovered five Filipinos and one Indian crew member.
The EU force stated that three individuals were killed during the lengthy attack, but their nationalities remain unknown.
Houthi-released footage purportedly contains a VHF radio transmission where a rebel offers those on board the sinking vessel the opportunity to evacuate.
However, the fate and whereabouts of those who may have fled remain unclear.
The US Embassy in Yemen, operating from Saudi Arabia for about a decade, alleges in a post on X that the rebels may have abducted some crew members.
“After killing their shipmates, sinking their ship and hampering rescue efforts, the Houthi terrorists have kidnapped many surviving crew members of the Eternity C,” the embassy stated.
“We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release.”
The Houthis have not confirmed taking any crew members into custody, nor have they addressed the allegations. It’s important to note that the rebels may take several days to acknowledge attacks.
In the Philippines, migrant workers secretary Hans Cacdac is leading efforts to contact the families of the missing Filipino sailors to provide updates on the search and rescue efforts.
“It’s human nature that one should be terribly worried and distraught about the situation,” Mr. Cacdac told The Associated Press by telephone.
“It’s our role in government to be there for them in their utmost hour of need to ensure that not just government services, but throughout this hand-holding process, we will provide the necessary support.”
The Eternity C, flying the Liberian flag but owned by a Greek company, was likely targeted, similar to the Magic Seas, due to its affiliation with businesses that conduct business with Israel. Neither ship apparently requested an escort from the EU force.
