A cargo ship sailing in the Red Sea, near the coast of Yemen, was attacked on Sunday in what appears to be an assault by the Iran-backed Houthi group. The vessel, named Magic Seas, is a Greek-owned bulk carrier flying under a Liberian flag.
The incident happened about 51 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the British security firm Ambrey.
Details of the Attack
The ship was first attacked by eight small boats carrying armed men. These attackers opened fire using guns and self-propelled grenades. Armed security guards aboard Magic Seas responded with gunfire to defend the ship.
Later, the vessel was struck by four unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), also known as sea drones. Ambrey reported that two of these sea drones hit the port side of the ship, causing damage to the cargo. The ship began taking on water, and a fire broke out on board during the attack. However, no crew members were injured.
UKMTO described the incident as ongoing, suggesting that emergency efforts to deal with the damage were still in progress at the time of their report. The ship’s operator has not issued any public statement yet.
Likely Carried Out by Houthis
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, Ambrey stated that the ship fits the profile of vessels usually targeted by Yemen’s Houthi forces. The Houthis have carried out similar attacks in the past, especially on ships they believe are linked to countries supporting Israel.
This is the first reported attack of this nature in the region since mid-April, marking a return of hostilities in the area. Security experts believe the Houthis are continuing their campaign to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, especially since the war in Gaza began in late 2023.
Background on the Red Sea Attacks
Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched more than 100 attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea and nearby waters. They claim these actions are in support of Palestinians affected by Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
During this campaign, the Houthis have sunk two ships, seized another, and killed at least four seafarers. Their actions have caused major disruptions to global shipping routes, forcing many companies to take longer, more expensive paths around the southern tip of Africa.
The United States has responded with military strikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, aiming to reduce the group’s ability to carry out such attacks. Tensions in the region remain high, especially following recent airstrikes by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear sites in June and the brief 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
Impact on Global Shipping
The continued threat in the Red Sea has raised serious concerns among international shipping companies and maritime agencies. The Red Sea is a key route for global trade, connecting Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. Disruptions here can lead to delays, higher shipping costs, and increased risks for seafarers.
Maritime security experts are urging ships in the region to remain on high alert and to follow safety advice from international monitoring agencies.
