Yemen’s Houthi rebels released dramatic footage of their July 6 missile strike on the Greek-operated cargo ship Magic Seas in the Red Sea
Missile Mayhem: Houthis Target Greek Vessel in Coordinated Assault
On July 6, 2025, the Red Sea witnessed one of its most dramatic maritime attacks in recent memory. Yemen’s Houthi rebels released a video showing their alleged missile and drone strike on the Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Magic Seas. The footage, which includes Mayday calls, explosions, and the vessel’s final moments before sinking, has sent shockwaves through the global shipping community.
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According to maritime security firm Ambrey, the ship was attacked approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. The assault involved eight speedboats armed with RPGs, four unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and at least three anti-ship missiles. Despite efforts by the onboard security team to neutralize two USVs, the remaining drones and missiles inflicted catastrophic damage.
The vessel, which had not requested protection from the EU’s ASPIDES naval operation, was left vulnerable. All 22 crew members including Filipinos, Sri Lankans, a Romanian, and a Vietnamese national were rescued by Yemeni Coast Guard forces. No casualties were reported, but the psychological toll and operational disruption were immense.
Geopolitical Shockwaves: Why the Red Sea Is a Powder Keg
The attack on Magic Seas marks a dangerous escalation in the Houthis’ campaign against commercial shipping. Since November 2023, the Iran-aligned group has targeted vessels in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Gaza and opposition to ships linked to Israeli ports.
The Houthis accused Magic Seas of violating their maritime blockade by allegedly docking in Israel. This justification, though unverified, reflects a broader strategy of asymmetric warfare aimed at disrupting global trade and asserting regional influence.
The Greek Ministry of Shipping responded swiftly, initiating protective measures for Greek-owned vessels and raising the issue at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Greece called for unified international action to restore maritime law and ensure the safety of seafarers.
The Red Sea, a vital artery for oil and cargo transit, has seen a 50% drop in traffic since the attacks began. Analysts warn that the Houthis’ tactics combining drone warfare, speedboat raids, and propaganda videos pose a long-term threat to freedom of navigation and global supply chains.
Maritime Fallout: Industry Reels as Security Protocols Tighten
The sinking of Magic Seas has triggered a flurry of responses from shipping companies, naval coalitions, and international regulators. The EU’s ASPIDES mission, tasked with safeguarding Red Sea routes, has ramped up patrols and intelligence-sharing. However, the absence of a warship near Magic Seas during the attack has raised questions about coverage gaps and coordination.
Shipping firms are now revising risk assessments and rerouting vessels to avoid high-risk zones. Filipino authorities have advised their seafarers to exercise their right to refuse assignments in “war-like” areas, citing safety concerns after multiple attacks.
The incident also underscores the need for enhanced onboard defenses, real-time threat detection, and diplomatic pressure to curb militant aggression. Maritime experts suggest that unless the Gaza conflict de-escalates, vessels with even perceived links to Israel will remain targets.
Meanwhile, the Houthis continue to release videos of their operations, amplifying their narrative and showcasing their capabilities. The Magic Seas footage complete with chants, explosions, and tactical manoeuvres, serves both as a warning and a propaganda tool.
Conclusion:
The attack on Magic Seas is more than a maritime incident, it’s a geopolitical flashpoint. As the Red Sea becomes a battleground for proxy conflicts and ideological warfare, the international community must act decisively to protect commercial shipping and uphold maritime law. The Houthis’ video may have gone viral, but the real message is clear: the seas are no longer safe, and silence is no longer an option.
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