In a major maritime development, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have released 10 surviving crew members of the Greek-owned bulker Eternity C, nearly five months after the vessel was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea. The release was facilitated through mediation by Oman, highlighting the crucial role of diplomacy in maritime humanitarian efforts.
Crew Includes Nine Filipinos, Safely Transferred to Oman
According to reports from Houthi-run TV channel Al-Masirah and Chinese news agency Xinhua, the crew members were safely transferred from Sanaa to Muscat, Oman. The released sailors included nine Filipinos. While most appeared in good health, one crew member was seen with head and arm bandages, reflecting injuries sustained during the attack.
Joshua Hutchison, COO of maritime security firm Ambrey, confirmed the release via LinkedIn, sharing a photograph of the survivors en route to Oman.
IMO Secretary-General Praises Oman’s Humanitarian Role
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), expressed profound gratitude to Oman for its consistent humanitarian efforts in resolving the crisis. He stated:
“I express profound gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for their sustained humanitarian efforts concerning the crew of the vessel Eternity C in Yemen.”
Background: The Attack on Eternity C
The Eternity C, owned by Cosmoship of Greece, was attacked in the Red Sea over a two-day period in July 2025:
- 7 July: The vessel was disabled by six cruise and ballistic missiles.
- 8 July: Houthi forces launched further attacks using skiffs.
- 9 July: The ship sank, with a video posted online by the Houthi documenting the incident.
The attack resulted in the death of four crew members, while eight seafarers and two private security guards were rescued by Saudi forces. An additional 10 crew members were taken by the Houthi to an undisclosed location before being released following mediation.
Ceasefire Context and Maritime Security Implications
The Houthi’s release of the crew comes after they halted attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, following the Gaza ceasefire. Since November 2023, the Houthi had targeted Israeli-linked vessels in support of Hamas, creating a prolonged period of insecurity in the Red Sea shipping lanes.
The incident underscores ongoing risks to international shipping in conflict-prone maritime corridors and highlights the importance of diplomacy and humanitarian mediation in safeguarding seafarers.
