In a stark reminder of regional maritime tensions, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group announced it had successfully sunk a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, marking its first high-seas strike of the year. The group said it attacked the Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, using a combination of rockets, explosive-laden remote-controlled boats, and drones.
While the Houthis assert the vessel has gone under, the Greek operating firm, Stem Shipping, stated there is no independent confirmation of the sinking. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, confirmed it had rescued all 22 crew members after responding to a distress call with its vessel Safeen Prism. The crew is reportedly en route to Djibouti.
According to the ship’s operators, the Magic Seas was en route from China to Turkey, loaded with iron and fertilizer, when it began taking on water following the assault. The attack breaks a months-long lull in Houthi maritime aggression, which had disrupted international trade through the Red Sea and Suez Canal during late 2023 and early 2024.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the crew ignored prior warnings, prompting the group to deploy two unmanned boats, five missiles, and three drones. British security firm Ambrey reported the vessel was initially surrounded by small boats that opened fire before remote-controlled boats struck the port side, causing significant damage and igniting a fire.
Separately, the Israeli military announced strikes on three Houthi-controlled ports but did not confirm any connection to the attack on Magic Seas.
This latest strike raises concerns about the resurgence of maritime threats in one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors. Over the past year, Houthi forces have targeted over 100 vessels, sinking two, seizing one, and killing at least four crew members. The renewed hostilities may prompt further rerouting of global maritime traffic and potentially trigger a new phase of international military response.
