Maritime Security Firms Launch Mission to Rescue Crew of Greek Ship Attacked by Houthis off Yemeni Coast

Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:

On July 9, maritime security companies launched a mission to evacuate the crew of the Greek vessel MT Eternity C, which was attacked by Houthi militants off the coast of Yemen.

The Eternity C, which had 22 crew members on board—21 Filipinos and one Russian—was struck on July 7 by naval drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from manned speedboats. It was the second attack by Houthi militants that day, following months of relative calm.

At least four crew members were killed, and two others were injured in the assault, according to maritime security sources. This marks the first shipping-related fatalities in the Red Sea since June 2024.

Cosmoship Management, the vessel’s operator, did not respond to requests for confirmation of the casualties.

Lifeboats were destroyed in the attack, leaving the crew unable to evacuate the ship safely.

A representative from Diaplous, a maritime risk management company involved in the mission, stated:

“This is a rescue operation for the crew—some of whom are injured and need assistance—as well as for retrieving the bodies of the sailors who lost their lives.”

The official added, “Our goal is to carry out a peaceful operation,” noting that the mission was launched in coordination with the British security firm Ambrey.

The representative said that upon approaching the vessel, some crew members were seen in the water wearing life jackets.

Separately, Greek government officials have reportedly begun diplomatic talks with Saudi Arabia—a key regional actor—to aid in the ship’s rescue, according to sources cited by Reuters.