Ten rescued after Houthi attack sinks Eternity C cargo ship in Red Sea

Ten people have now been rescued from the cargo ship Eternity C following a deadly Houthi assault in the Red Sea, according to a statement released by the EU naval mission EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

Among those recovered during the night of July 9–10 were three Filipino crew members and one Greek member of the maritime security team, Caliber.Az reports, citing ASPIDES' post on X. 

The operation confirmed that it continues to coordinate the international response in the region, "by involving and synchronizing all willing actors in the area."

The Eternity C, a cargo vessel with 25 people on board, came under attack beginning July 7. According to maritime security sources, Houthi militants launched sea drones and fired rocket-propelled grenades from speed boats, destroying lifeboats and severely damaging the ship.

The vessel, operated by Greece-based Cosmoship Management, was left adrift and listing by July 8 after a second attack with sea drones forced the crew and guards to abandon ship. Six of those rescued had spent over 24 hours in the water, rescue companies reported.

The Houthis remained near the vessel into the early hours of July 9, sources said. As the ship continued to take on damage, it ultimately sank on Wednesday morning, July 10.

The crew of the Eternity C included 21 Filipinos, one Russian, and three armed guards—one Greek, one Indian, and one unidentified. Four fatalities have been reported, marking the first confirmed deaths from attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since June 2024.

While Cosmoship has yet to confirm the casualties, international concern is mounting. Greece has reportedly opened talks with Saudi Arabia, a key regional stakeholder, to discuss the incident.

Skiffs were seen in the area during rescue operations, further complicating the response effort. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, the EU’s military mission operating in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Gulf, remains actively engaged in coordinating search and rescue activities.

By Sabina Mammadli