US Embassy accuses Houthis of kidnapping Eternity C crew after Red Sea attack

The U.S. Embassy in Yemen issued a strong condemnation Wednesday following a Houthi attack on the merchant vessel Eternity C, accusing the group of killing crew members, sinking the ship, obstructing rescue efforts, and kidnapping survivors.

In a sharply worded statement, the embassy said, “After killing their shipmates, sinking their ship, and hampering rescue efforts, the Houthi terrorists have kidnapped many surviving crew members of the Eternity C. We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release.”

On the Houthi Kidnappings of Eternity C Crew. #USAwithYemen pic.twitter.com/tDWIqPoSBd

— U.S. Embassy Yemen السفارة الأمريكية لدى اليمن (@USEmbassyYemen) July 9, 2025

The statement added, “The Houthis continue to show the world why the United States was right to label them a terrorist organization.”

The ship, identified as the ETERNITY C, was struck earlier this week in what marked the second attack on commercial vessels in less than 24 hours. The vessel ultimately sank, raising concerns about maritime safety and regional stability.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating, "The naval force of the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted the ship (ETERNITY C)."

He said the operation was conducted in support of Palestinians in Gaza and claimed the vessel was en route to the 'Israeli' port of Eilat.