Red Sea Crisis Deepens as “Eternity C” Cargo Ship Sinks, Six Rescued and 15 Unaccounted For

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Out of 25 crew and security personnel on board the Eternity C, six were rescued alive after more than a day in the water, while four have been confirmed dead and at least 15 remain missing or presumed detained. The attacks sparked international condemnation, with the U.S. government accusing the Houthis of kidnapping survivors and calling for their immediate, unconditional release.

Eternity C Red Sea Attack & Aftermath
Event	Details	Date & Location	Casualties & Survivors	Response & Status
Initial Attack	Sea drones and rocket‑propelled grenades launched from speedboats	7 July 2025, ~50 nmi SW of Hodeidah, Yemen	Crew abandoned vessel	EU’s Operation Aspides begins rescue mission
Secondary Assault	Unmanned surface vessels and missiles finish off the ship	8 July 2025	Ship sank; survivors in water over 24 hrs	Search and rescue continues
Rescue & Recovery	EU naval forces retrieve survivors from sea	9–10 July 2025	6 rescued, 4 confirmed dead, 15 missing/detained	U.S. Embassy denounces Houthi kidnappings
Note: Crew consisted of 21 Filipino nationals, one Russian seafarer, and a 3‑person security team. The ship was en route toward the Suez Canal via Israel-linked ports.

Industry Impact Overview:

The sinking of the Eternity C in the Red Sea marks one of the most severe maritime incidents in recent years, re-igniting fears around commercial transit security in the Bab el-Mandeb corridor. With six survivors, four confirmed dead, and 15 still missing or possibly detained, the attack has rattled insurers, rerouted trade, and prompted emergency diplomatic engagement. The broader maritime sector now faces serious operational, legal, and humanitarian repercussions.

Key Impacts:

• Renewed Global Security Scrutiny: Red Sea now considered an “active warzone” by many commercial insurers and vessel operators.
• Surge in War-Risk Premiums: Insurance rates on routes through the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb have increased by up to 400% in the past week.
• Crew Welfare Crisis: The potential hostage situation and loss of life are intensifying calls for improved maritime security protocols and support networks.
• Route Diversions Increase Costs: Shipping lines including Maersk and MSC are continuing detours around the Cape of Good Hope, adding over a week to voyage times and spiking fuel costs.
• Diplomatic & Legal Pressure Mounts: International condemnation of the Houthi attacks is growing, with calls for sanctions and naval escort expansion through Operation Aspides and U.S.-led efforts.

Risk Escalation Matrix – Red Sea Shipping Post-Eternity C
Category	Severity Level	Operational Impact	Timeframe
Crew Safety & Welfare	Critical	Delayed rescues, potential kidnappings, morale collapse	Immediate & ongoing
Insurance Costs	Severe	War-risk premiums quadruple; some insurers restrict coverage	Short-term (2–3 months minimum)
Route Diversion	High	Added 7–12 days via Cape; higher fuel, congestion at alternative ports	Medium-term
Port & Logistics Delays	Moderate	Schedule disruptions in Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and African hubs	Ongoing
Note: These escalating factors are compounding daily. Fleet owners operating near the Red Sea are urged to consult updated guidance from IMO, EU NAVFOR, and P&I insurers.

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