The search for the remaining crew members of the Eternity C, a bulk carrier sunk by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, has been formally called off, with at least four mariners presumed dead and 11 still unaccounted for, according to security firms Ambrey and Diaplous Group. The ship was attacked on July 7 in a sustained assault involving drones, explosive-laden boats, and small arms fire, ultimately leading to its sinking the following day.

The attack occurred just one day after the Magic Seas, another Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulker, met the same fate under similar circumstances. The back-to-back incidents have marked the deadliest week of maritime violence in the Red Sea since the Houthi campaign against commercial shipping began in late 2023, with Israel calling on the US to resume its bombing campaign against the Yemeni group.

New satellite imagery has revealed massive oil slicks trailing from both wrecks, raising serious environmental concerns. Analysis from Dutch peace group PAX estimated the slick from the Eternity C extends over 80 km, while the Magic Seas trail stretches about 65 km. The spill threatens marine life and protected ecosystems, including wildlife reserves in Eritrea and surrounding waters.

Ten seafarers were rescued from the Eternity C, including eight Filipinos, one Greek, and one Indian member of the vessel’s security team. However, hopes have faded for those still missing.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks, which they say target companies linked to Israel. Both sunken ships had previously called at Israeli ports, which analysts believe triggered the strikes. The US embassy in Yemen accused the Houthis of kidnapping some of the surviving crew, a claim yet to be verified.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on commercial vessels, sinking four ships and killing at least eight seafarers, according to maritime security data.

Fears of Houthi maritime terrorism have surged, with crew on some vessels now transmitting AIS messages declaring their religion or political neutrality in a bid to avoid being targeted. Statements such as “All crew are Muslim” and “We are not affiliated with Israel” have begun appearing on vessel tracking systems, though experts warn such tactics are unlikely to offer real protection.

According to AIS data, daily commercial transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait — a critical maritime chokepoint — have plunged from 79 ships per day in late 2023 to just 32–35 vessels in recent days. With fears escalating and no clear path to security, shipowners continue to reroute traffic around the Cape of Good Hope.