The US embassy in Yemen accused Houthi rebels of kidnapping members of a Greek-owned ship after the terrorist group attacked the vessel in the Red Sea, killing four people.
The Liberian-flagged Eternity C cargo ship came under assault by sea drones on Monday and Tuesday, with its crew of 20 jumping into the water and spending more than 24 hours afloat before help arrived.
Only six crew members have been saved so far as the desperate search for the survivors continues, with the US embassy in Yemen accusing the Iran-backed rebel group of taking hostages.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels released video of their crews on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas. HOUTHIS MILITARY MEDIA CENTER/HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock“After killing their shipmates, sinking their ship and hampering rescue efforts, the Houthi terrorists have kidnapped many surviving crew members of the Eternity C,” the embassy said in a statement.
“We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release,” officials added.
The Houthis, who have claimed responsibility for the attacks plaguing the busy Red Sea trade route, have not responded to the allegations.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas. HOUTHIS MILITARY MEDIA CENTER/HANDOUT/EPA/ShutterstockThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center, run by the British military, issued an advisory that “search and rescue operations commenced overnight” for those who had been aboard the Eternity C.
The bulk carrier had been heading north toward the Suez Canal when it came under fire by the rebel group riding on small boats and bomb-carrying drones.
Cosmoship Management, the ship’s operator, has yet to make a statement about the casualties or injuries.
The Magic Seas, sank after Sunday’s attack. HOUTHIS MILITARY MEDIA CENTER/HANDOUT/EPA/ShutterstockThe European Union’s Operation Aspides reported the details, noting that one of the survivors who was rescued lost his leg in the attacks. Another crew member was also reported injured.
The State Department condemned the assault on the ship, warning that the US will take the appropriate action if violence continues along the Red Sea.
“These attacks demonstrate the ongoing threat that Iran-backed Houthi rebels pose to freedom of navigation and to regional economic and maritime security,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
An image of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C in 2019. AP“The United States has been clear: We will continue to take necessary action to protect freedom of navigation and commercial shipping from Houthi terrorist attacks,” he added.
The attack on the Eternity C comes just a day after the Houthis sank another bulk carrier traveling through the sea, with the crew members of that boat successfully rescued.
With Post wires
