First Houthi Attack Since Ceasefire Sets Cargo Ship On Fire In Red Sea

A cargo ship sailing through the Red Sea was attacked and set on fire on Sunday in the first reported attack on commercial shipping in the area since mid-April.

The Greek-operated, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas was forced to be abandoned by its crew after it started taking on water. A nearby merchant vessel rescued all crew members, and no casualties were reported.

The attack happened around 51 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah port, a region controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility, multiple maritime security companies, including Ambrey, said the incident matched the typical Houthi target profile.

Houthi media later acknowledged the attack but gave no additional details.

According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Ambrey, the ship was first attacked by eight small boats using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The ship’s armed security team fired back in response.

Shortly after, four Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), drone boats carrying explosives, targeted the vessel. Two USVs hit the port side, damaging the ship’s cargo. The remaining two were destroyed by the security team.

The attack caused a fire onboard, and the ship began taking on water, leading the crew to abandon the vessel. The UKMTO confirmed the crew’s rescue by another merchant ship in the area.

Security firms including Diaplous and EOS Risk Group also identified the ship as the Magic Seas. Based on AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, the vessel had an armed team onboard and was sailing north through the Red Sea when it was attacked.

Security expert Mohammad al-Basha, writing for the Basha Report, assessed the attack as a signal from the Houthis showing they still have the ability and willingness to hit strategic maritime targets, regardless of any political or diplomatic developments.

Tensions remain high due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. The Houthis recently threatened to target U.S. ships again if Washington continued to support Israel in its conflict with Iran.

The Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea in November 2023, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians. Since then, they have carried out over 100 attacks, sank two ships, seized one, and caused the deaths of at least four seafarers.

In May 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would stop bombing Houthi targets after a ceasefire agreement was reached. Under that agreement, the Houthis reportedly agreed to stop attacking vessels in key shipping lanes. However, that understanding seems fragile now.

Reference: Reuters