Greece Moves Swiftly to Safeguard Ships and Seafarers Amid Houthi Threats in the Red Sea

In a statement released Tuesday, the Ministry emphasised that it is closely monitoring the unfolding security situation and stands fully prepared to intervene, particularly through its Directorate of Maritime Labour, in cases involving Greek-flagged ships or Greek citizens serving aboard foreign-flagged vessels.

With the safety of crews a top priority, Greek authorities have raised the issue at the ongoing session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London. At the same time, the Ministry is maintaining continuous communication with the EU’s ASPIDES naval mission, which is active in the region to ensure maritime security.

Updated safety guidelines have also been issued to Greek shipping companies and maritime stakeholders, with a strong focus on the protection and welfare of Greek seafarers navigating high-risk zones.

Greece, one of the world’s leading shipping nations, has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding maritime personnel and preserving the integrity of international trade routes threatened by the conflict.

New details have emerged confirming the deaths of three crew members following a deadly attack by Houthi militants on the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C in the Red Sea. The vessel remains adrift as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

According to updated reports from Greek state broadcaster ERT, citing the Liberian International Maritime Organization, two of the victims were found trapped in the engine room, while a third crew member was later discovered deceased. Two others have been injured in the assault—one of them, a Russian national, has reportedly suffered life-altering injuries.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was carried out by four fast-moving boats carrying armed militants. The assailants launched at least four RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades) and deployed two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a coordinated assault on the vessel.

The Eternity C, owned by a Greek shipping company, was carrying 22 crew members—21 of them Filipino and one Russian—along with three members of a private armed security team. As of this update, two crew members remain missing.

Notably, the ship had not requested protection from the EU naval mission ASPIDES, and no allied warship was in the immediate vicinity at the time of the attack.

This marks the second confirmed attack by Houthi forces on merchant shipping in the Red Sea since November 2024, underscoring ongoing threats to international maritime security in the region. Greek authorities and international maritime bodies are closely monitoring the situation.

Maritime security firms launched a mission on Wednesday to evacuate the crew of the Greek-operated Eternity C vessel hit by Houthi militants off Yemen two days ago, sources close to the mission told Reuters.

Eternity C, with 22 crew members – 21 Filipinos and one Russian – on board, was attacked with sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from manned speed boats on Monday, the second assault by Houthi militants in a day after months of calm.

At least four crew members were killed and two were injured during the raid, maritime security sources have said, the first fatalities involving shipping in the Red Sea since June 2024.

The vessel’s operator, Cosmoship Management, has not responded to requests for confirmation of casualties.

Lifeboats were destroyed during the attack, and the crew has not been able to safely abandon the vessel.

“It is an operation to rescue the crew, some of whom are injured and need assistance, and collect the bodies of the seafarers who lost their lives,” said an official at maritime risk management firm Diaplous, which is involved in the project.

“We aim at a peaceful operation,” the official said, adding the mission was launched with British security firm Ambrey.

As they approached the vessel, part of the crew were in the water in life jackets, the official said.

Separately, Greek government officials have launched diplomatic talks with Saudi Arabia, a key player in the region, to help salvage the vessel, according to sources.

Source: pagenews.gr