On July 6, 2025, Houthi rebels attacked the ‘Magic Seas,’ a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, in the Red Sea, 100 km southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. The Houthis claimed they sank the vessel and released a video, but no independent confirmation of the sinking exists. The attack involved drones, missiles, and unmanned surface vessels. All 22 crew members were safely rescued and taken to Djibouti. The ship was carrying iron and fertilizer from China to Turkey.

The attack was executed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a group controlling parts of Yemen. They have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians and targeting vessels they believe are linked to Israel. The ‘Magic Seas,’ however, had no known Israeli connections, suggesting the Houthis may target ships indiscriminately. The attack used a combination of drones, missiles, RPGs, and small arms, showcasing their advanced capabilities.

The Houthis released a video claiming the ‘Magic Seas’ had sunk, showing flames and smoke. However, no independent sources, including the ship’s Greek management company, have confirmed the sinking. Past Houthi claims of sinking ships have sometimes been unverified or exaggerated. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported the attack but could not confirm the ship’s fate. The lack of confirmation raises doubts about the Houthi claim, pending further evidence or investigation.

No casualties were reported in the ‘Magic Seas’ attack. All 22 crew members, comprising one Romanian, one Vietnamese, and 20 Filipinos, were safely rescued. They were evacuated by a nearby vessel, the ‘Sefin Prism,’ and safely transported to Djibouti on July 7, 2025. The European Union’s Naval Force Operation Atalanta oversaw the rescue, coordinating with the Djibouti Coast Guard to ensure the crew’s safety and well-being after the attack.

The Houthis claim their attacks on Red Sea shipping are in solidarity with Palestinians, targeting vessels linked to Israel to pressure for an end to Gaza operations. Since November 2023, they have conducted over 100 attacks, disrupting global trade. However, many targeted ships, like the ‘Magic Seas,’ have no Israeli ties, indicating broader motives or misidentification. The Red Sea is a critical trade route, making these attacks impactful on global commerce.

The ‘Magic Seas’ was a bulk carrier transporting iron and fertilizer from China to Turkey. Operated under a Liberian flag and managed by a Greek company (possibly Steam Shipping or All Seas Marine), the ship was not carrying military or sensitive cargo. Its cargo was standard commercial goods, highlighting that Houthi attacks often affect neutral merchant vessels, disrupting global supply chains without direct political or military connections to their stated targets.

The 22 crew members of the ‘Magic Seas’ were rescued by a nearby vessel, the ‘Sefin Prism,’ after the Houthi attack on July 6, 2025. The European Union’s Naval Force Operation Atalanta monitored the operation, ensuring safe evacuation. The crew was transported to Djibouti, arriving on July 7, 2025. The Djibouti Coast Guard assisted in the process, ensuring all crew members, including one Romanian, one Vietnamese, and 20 Filipinos, were unharmed.

The Red Sea is a vital artery for global trade, handling about $1 trillion in commerce annually. It connects Europe, Asia, and Africa via the Suez Canal, facilitating 10-15% of global maritime trade. Houthi attacks since November 2023 have disrupted this route, forcing ships to reroute around Africa, increasing costs and delays. The ‘Magic Seas’ attack underscores the ongoing threat to this critical trade corridor, impacting global supply chains.

The international community, including the EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta, has increased patrols in the Red Sea to protect merchant vessels. The rescue of the ‘Magic Seas’ crew was supported by EU forces and Djibouti’s Coast Guard. Several countries have condemned Houthi attacks, and coalitions like Operation Prosperity Guardian aim to secure the region. However, the persistent attacks highlight the challenge of ensuring maritime security against Houthi tactics.

The attack on the ‘Magic Seas’ highlights the growing threat to maritime security in the Red Sea, disrupting a key global trade route. It raises concerns about the safety of merchant vessels and crews, increases shipping costs due to rerouting, and impacts global supply chains. The Houthis’ actions, even if unverified, escalate tensions in the region, prompting calls for stronger international measures to deter further attacks and protect critical trade routes.