A Greek-owned cargo ship was heavily damaged and left taking on water after a violent, multi-stage attack by Houthi forces off the coast of Yemen on July 6, 2024. The MV Magic Seas, flying the Liberian flag and operated by Greece-based All Seas Marine, came under fire approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port of Al Hudaydah.
This marks the first confirmed Houthi assault on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea since November 2024, signaling a renewed threat to international maritime traffic in the region.
Details of the Attack
According to a security bulletin issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the Magic Seas was surrounded by small fast-attack boats that opened fire with light weapons and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The ship’s private armed security team returned fire in an effort to repel the attackers.
Further information confirmed by maritime security sources revealed the attack unfolded in two waves:
- First stage: Eight small boats carrying armed assailants launched at least twenty RPGs at the vessel.
- Second stage: Four drone-like unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) were deployed. Two were successfully intercepted, but the remaining two struck the ship, causing serious damage.
The ship was also targeted by three anti-ship missiles, two of which hit the vessel, contributing to its critical condition.
Crew Evacuated Safely
The Magic Seas suffered severe structural damage and began taking on water, prompting the captain to issue an abandon ship order. All 22 crew members were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard. The crew consisted of 17 Filipino nationals, one Romanian, one Vietnamese, and three Sri Lankan nationals who served as part of the vessel’s security detail.
Greek shipping authorities confirmed that no Greek nationals were among the crew or the security personnel, and that the vessel, despite being Greek-owned, was not sailing under the Greek flag.
Strategic and Security Implications
The incident highlights the continued vulnerability of commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a key global trade route, particularly amid the ongoing instability in Yemen. The Magic Seas attack serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by the Houthi movement, whose previous attacks have drawn international condemnation.
With the Magic Seas now confirmed to be sinking, the shipping community is once again on high alert. Maritime operators are expected to review transit plans through the area, and naval coalitions may bolster patrols to ensure the safety of commercial vessels navigating these waters.
