Yemen’s Houthis released a video on Tuesday showing what they say was the strike and sinking of the Filipino-manned vessel Magic Seas, following an alleged exchange with the captain.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a strike on the Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier, the MV Magic Seas, off southwest Yemen on Sunday, saying the vessel sank.
They subsequently released a video of what they said was their attack on the Magic Seas. The footage included the Mayday call, multiple explosions, and the ultimate submersion of the ship.
Reuters was not able to independently verify the location. Reuters confirmed the vessel to be the "Magic Seas" by the design and shape of the ship deck that matched file images. The date was verified by corroborating reports from the attack on Sunday.
The vessel's manager said the information about the sinking could not be verified, but Ambrey managing director Joshua Hutchinson told Reuters the maritime security firm had a response vessel in the area and confirmed the Magic Seas had gone down.
All crew on the Magic Seas were rescued by a passing merchant vessel and arrived safely in Djibouti on Monday, Djibouti authorities said.
17 Filipinos escape Houthi attack in Red Sea: DMW
Since November 2023, the Houthis have disrupted commerce by launching hundreds of drones and missiles at vessels in the Red Sea.
The Red Sea, which passes Yemen's coast, has long been a critical waterway for the world's oil and commodities but traffic has dropped since the Iran-aligned Houthi militia began targeting ships in November 2023 in what they said was solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war.
Houthis threaten US ships if Washington joins strikes on Iran
(Production: Tanya Lezaic)