MAGIC SEAS Cargo Vessel Sinks After Houthi Attack
(MENAFN) Yemen’s Houthi forces announced Monday that the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MAGIC SEAS, struck a day earlier, has fully submerged in the Red Sea.
“The ship MAGIC SEAS sank completely in the depths of the Red Sea after our armed forces targeted it,” declared Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesperson, in a televised statement. He explained the assault was retaliation for what the group claims are repeated violations by the shipowner of its blockade on vessels bound for Israeli ports.
"The latest of these violations was the entry of three of the company's ships into occupied Palestinian ports last week, despite warnings from our naval forces," Sarea stated. "The moments of the sinking are documented in audio and videotape," he added.
The United Arab Emirates' Foreign Ministry confirmed it had successfully rescued all 22 individuals aboard, including crew and security personnel, in the aftermath of the attack.
On Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on X that a vessel had come under assault approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. According to their post, the ship was surrounded by multiple small boats that opened fire with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The vessel’s onboard security responded in kind.
Following the firefight, the ship sustained significant damage when two unmanned, explosive-laden boats struck its port side, breaching the hull and allowing water ingress. The security team and crew eventually evacuated the vessel safely.
Hours later, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting ports in Yemen’s western Hodeidah Province. According to Israeli authorities, the strikes aimed at neutralizing Houthi military infrastructure.
Earlier Monday, the Houthi movement officially claimed responsibility for the MAGIC SEAS assault, asserting they deployed ballistic missiles, drones, and remote-controlled boats in the operation.
The Houthis, who maintain control over much of northern Yemen, have launched repeated attacks against Israel-linked vessels since November 2023. The group says its maritime campaign is a demonstration of support for Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
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