On July 7, 2025, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier ETERNITY C was sailing in ballast from Berbera, Somalia, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after completing a UN World Food Programme delivery.
It was a standard humanitarian leg. A peaceful route.
But just 50 nautical miles off Yemen’s Al Hudaydah coast, everything unraveled.
The Two-Day Assault and Its Aftermath
The First Strike: July 7
Houthi militants launched a violent attack using high-speed boats, sea drones, and RPGs. The vessel suffered heavy damage. Four crew members were killed on impact.
The Second Strike: July 8
As the sun rose, a second wave hit. With the vessel beyond saving, the remaining crew jumped into the sea. The ETERNITY C sank on July 9.
Crew Status and Rescue
Of the 25 onboard (22 crew, 3 guards):
- 10 were rescued—some after nearly 48 hours adrift
- 5 are presumed dead
- 10 are confirmed held captive by Houthi forces
✅ What Happened — In 3 Key Points
Coordinated Double Attack: The ETERNITY C was hit twice by Houthi forces using drones and RPGs, leading to fatal casualties.
Kidnapping and Propaganda: A video released by militants shows the captured crew—clearly under duress—thanking captors and apologizing to Palestine.
Tied to the Wider Conflict: The attack aligns with the Houthi “naval blockade” on any company connected to Israeli ports, regardless of flag or mission.
This Is Part of a Broader War at Sea
The sinking of ETERNITY C comes just after another Liberian-flagged ship, Magic Seas, was also targeted and destroyed by the Houthis. Both were Greek-operated, and shipping data indicates recent port calls to Israel—likely making them targets.
The Houthi campaign, active since November 2023, has now affected over 100 vessels. The latest “fourth phase” of their blockade threatens to strike any ship linked to Israeli ports, anywhere within their military reach.
The Wake Left Behind
What happened to the ETERNITY C is not an anomaly—it’s a signal.
Even ships on humanitarian duty are now pawns in geopolitical struggles.
Neutral flags don’t protect anymore. GPS routes aren’t enough. Traditional drills won’t save lives in drone warfare zones.
Seafarers are carrying the burden of political crossfire. And the industry must wake up to that.
Captain’s POV — As a Mariner Myself
As someone who’s sailed these corridors, I know how fast things can turn.
This wasn’t a navigation error—it was war at sea.
We need next-level training, tech, and crew support.
Shipowners must treat crew protection as strategic priority.
Because no cargo is worth a human life.
