A dramatic attack unfolded in the Red Sea today, as Houthi rebels claimed to have sunk a Greek-owned vessel, the Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged ship. According to reports, the attack began with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire from Houthi rebels wielding Kalashnikovs.
The captain’s distress call was received by the coast guard, stating, “The vessel needs immediate assistance, rescue, rescue, the vessel will be abandoned. I need rescue for my crew… The vessel has been seized by Houthis and will be sunk. Mayday.” The ship was located approximately 51 nautical miles from Hodeidah, a Yemeni port controlled by the Houthis.
The Houthis published a video of the attack, showing the ship coming under fire, being stormed by gunmen, and eventually sinking after several synchronized explosions. The video cuts to a wide drone shot of the ship rigged with at least five explosives, blowing up from below the waterline, with water and smoke rising.
All 19 crew members and three armed guards were evacuated and are believed to have been taken by a passing ship to Djibouti. The attack marks a significant escalation in the Red Sea, a key global shipping lane for oil and commodities.
The Houthis’ claim comes after a recent “ceasefire” agreement with the US, and their renewed attacks are likely to have significant regional and global implications. The incident is likely to further destabilize the region and impact global shipping.
