A video has been released capturing the moment of the Houthi rebel attack from Yemen against the Greek-owned cargo ship Magic Seas, which was sailing in the Red Sea.

The incident took place 51 nautical miles southwest of the port of Hodeidah. The vessel was attacked by eight speedboats carrying armed men who launched at least 20 RPG anti-tank rockets. At the same time, four unmanned surface vessels (USVs) took part in the assault.

🔴 مشاهد نوعية وزعها الإعلام الحربي اليمني تظهر لحظات استهداف وإغراق السفينة "ماجيك سيز" في البحر الأحمر التي انتهكت الشركة المالكة لها قرار القوات المسلحة اليمنية حظر دخول السفن إلى موانئ فلسطين المحتلة#ثابتون_مع_غزة #يمن_الواثقين_بالله pic.twitter.com/TjqmJ7uad1

— قناة المسيرة (@TvAlmasirah) July 8, 2025

The security team aboard Magic Seas managed to neutralize two of the four USVs, but the other two struck the vessel. Subsequently, the ship was also hit by three anti-ship missiles, two of which successfully impacted the hull.

The attack caused severe damage, ultimately leading to the sinking of the Magic Seas. All 22 crew members — 17 Filipinos, 1 Romanian, 1 Vietnamese, and 3 Sri Lankan security personnel — were rescued by Yemeni Coast Guard forces.

It is noted that the ship had not requested escort or protection from the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation. At the time of the incident, no warship from the operation was in close proximity to the vessel.

The Red Sea and surrounding sea lanes near Yemen remain a high-risk zone, as attacks against commercial shipping persist amid geopolitical instability and armed group activity.

The Attack on Magic Seas by the Houthis Was the First on a Commercial Ship in the Red Sea Since November 2024

Measures Taken by the Ministry of Shipping

Earlier, the Greek Ministry of Shipping announced the implementation of immediate and coordinated measures to protect Greek-owned vessels and Greek seafarers.

In its statement, the ministry says it is closely monitoring developments in the broader Red Sea region and stands ready to assist, if necessary, in addressing issues involving Greek-flagged ships and their crews, as well as Greek nationals on Greek-owned ships flying other flags, through its Directorate of Maritime Labor.

The Ministry emphasized that, in light of the recent escalation in Houthi attacks on Greek-owned vessels transiting the Red Sea, it has taken the following steps:

1. Intervention at the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
At Greece’s initiative, the issue was raised at the ongoing session of the IMO Council. Greece called for unified international action to restore rule of law in the region, with full respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

2. Continuous Communication with EU Operation ASPIDES
The relevant services of the Ministry maintain uninterrupted operational contact (24/7) with the European Operation ASPIDES, which is responsible for maritime security in the aforementioned sea area.

3. Ongoing Briefing and Guidelines to the Shipping Industry
Detailed guidelines and recommendations have been sent to the shipping industry for the safest possible passage through the region, including the adoption of all necessary preventive measures.

4. Recommendations for the Protection of Greek Seafarers
Giving top priority to the protection of Greek mariners, the Ministry’s guidelines are also being shared — through maritime organizations — with Greek-owned vessels sailing under foreign flags, as Greek crew members may also be employed aboard these ships.

The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy continues to monitor developments in the region, with the primary objective of safeguarding Greek ocean-going shipping by all means necessary.