Full Breakdown
Houthis Release Crew of Sunk Cargo Ship Eternity C
12/4/2025, 5:24:36 AM
Overview of the Incident
On December 3, 2025, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced the release of nine Filipino mariners who had been held since a July attack on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C in the Red Sea. The attack resulted in the sinking of the vessel and the deaths of at least four crew members, with 11 others reported missing. The Houthis, who have been actively targeting maritime vessels during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, stated that the mariners were being transferred to Oman, although the Omani government did not immediately confirm this.
Details of the Attack and Release
The Eternity C was attacked using sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades, leading to the crew abandoning the ship before it sank. Rescuers managed to save some crew members from the sea. The Houthis later claimed to have "rescued" the mariners and held them in a secure location. The release of the crew was facilitated by mediation from Oman, with a Royal Oman Air Force jet reportedly transporting the mariners from Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, to Muscat.
The Philippine government had anticipated the release, describing the mariners as being "held hostage" since the attack. Alongside the nine Filipinos, one Russian and one Indian national were also among those released, according to maritime security sources.
Broader Context of Houthi Maritime Attacks
The attack on the Eternity C was part of a broader campaign by the Houthis, who have targeted over 100 ships in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of four vessels and the deaths of at least nine mariners since the escalation of hostilities in the region. This resurgence of attacks followed a period of relative calm in maritime operations, which had been observed during a previous ceasefire related to the Gaza conflict.
Official Statements & Responses
The Philippine Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Omani government in facilitating the release. They noted that the mariners would be transferred to Oman before returning home, although no specific timeline was provided. The U.S. Mission in Yemen had previously accused the Houthis of kidnapping the sailors and called for their immediate and unconditional release.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the Houthis' tactics, labeling the holding of mariners as hostage-taking. The U.S. government has condemned the actions of the Houthis, emphasizing the need for the safe release of all individuals captured during maritime conflicts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Houthis reported the release of the mariners, there was no immediate confirmation from the Omani government regarding the details of the transfer. Additionally, the exact circumstances surrounding the decision to release the mariners remain unclear, as the Houthis have previously held seamen for extended periods.
Verbatim Quotes
- “nine Filipino seafarers of the ill-fated M/V Eternity C, held hostage by the Houthis in the Red Sea, will be released” — Philippine Foreign Ministry
- “The Houthis released a video of the attack on the ship, saying they had "rescued" an unspecified number of the crew and taken them to a safe location.” — Houthi spokesperson
The release of the mariners marks a significant development in the ongoing maritime tensions in the Red Sea, highlighting the complex interplay of regional conflicts and international maritime security.
