Drone attack leaves ship on fire and taking on water after multiple vessels opened fire on bulker.
Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea appear to have resumed. Bulker Magic Seas was engaged by multiple small vessels yesterday, and the Yemeni group have since taken credit for the attack.
The incident began on the morning of July 6, when the ship reported being engaged by multiple small vessels that opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades. Ambrey said the ship had been hit by four unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), two on each side, a number that matches with a Houthi statement.
Reports from UKMTO attributed to Magic Seas’ company security officer trace the initial attack at 1125 hrs through to confirmation that the crew had all been safely rescued at 1900 hrs.
At 1400 hrs, the CSO confirmed hits from “unknown projectiles” had caused a fire onboard, and an hour later it was confirmed that the vessel was taking on fire and the crew were preparing to abandon ship. The crew had all abandoned ship by 1553 hrs, and were safely rescued by a passing merchant ship by 1900 hrs.
Despite geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East this year, the attack on Magic Seas is the first attack on a merchant ship by the Houthis in 2025. The group issued warnings that it would target vessels linked to Israel in response to Israel’s actions in Palestine.
The vessel’s owner Allseas Marine has had multiple vessel calls in Israel this year, and even had a ship in an Israeli port at the time of the attack, according to maritime security firm Vanguard.
EUNAVFOR’s operating Atlanta said it played a key role in establishing the rescue of the 22 seafarers and co-ordinating their return to shore. “The incident highlights the importance of
real-time communication and coordinated efforts among regional and international maritime security stakeholders to ensure the safety of seafarers in high-risk areas,” said EUNAVFOR.
Intercargo was quick to condemn the attack on the ship. Chairman of Intercargo, John Xylas, said: “Seafarers are not targets. We are deeply shocked by the attack on the Magic Seas and our thoughts are with the crew. These are innocent people, simply doing their jobs, keeping global trade moving. No one at sea should ever face such violence.
“The safety of seafarers must come first. We urge all relevant authorities to act decisively to protect those at sea and uphold international law.”
Before today’s attack, there had been 112 incidents recorded in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, including six serious incidents, 42 minor incidents, 46 attempted attacks, and four hijackings, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC). Four mariners have been killed and two seriously injured in Houthi attacks on merchant ships.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
