Houthis Share Video of Eternity C Crew, Escalate Threats

On July 28, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced they had rescued 10 crew members from the Eternity C, a cargo ship that sank earlier this month in the Red Sea following attacks attributed to the group. To support their claim, the Houthis released a six-minute video showing the crew, stating it was evidence the seafarers were alive and in their custody. They also renewed their warnings against vessels associated with Israeli ports.

The Eternity C went down on July 9 off the coast of Yemen after being struck by missiles, drones, and speedboats in a coordinated assault. The attack forced the vessel’s guards and crew to abandon ship. Ten seafarers were previously rescued by a private mission organized by the ship's owners, while five others are presumed dead. The remaining 10 were reportedly captured by the Houthis, who now assert they were saved from the sea.

The footage posted on social media shows scenes of the nighttime recovery, with the sailors later appearing in captivity. Some are seen giving statements, acknowledging they were unaware of the Houthi-imposed maritime ban on vessels linked to Israeli ports. One crewmember is shown calling home, while others appear to deliver testimonies.

Israeli media have dismissed the video, describing it as a “propaganda clip.”

The Houthis also used the occasion to intensify their rhetoric. They declared the beginning of what they termed the "fourth phase" of their naval blockade against Israel, vowing to target any ship linked to companies doing business with Israeli ports—regardless of the vessel’s route or flag.

The group urged international actors to pressure Israel into halting its military campaign in Gaza and lifting the blockade on Palestinian areas. These renewed threats follow recent high-profile maritime attacks, including the sinkings of both the Magic Seas and the Eternity C, the latter resulting in a tragic loss of life among its crew.