The crew of the second ship that was under the control of Houthi rebels has been released, after four people lost their lives – three during the initial attack and one more who later succumbed to their injuries. The crew consisted of 22 Filipino and one Russian sailor.
Naval security teams rushed to free them and subsequently this ship also sank.
Read: Red Sea: Death toll rises to four after Houthi attack on Greek-owned vessel “Eternity C”
Operation Aspides: Recommendation for ships to avoid Red Sea
According to ERT News sources, Operation Aspides is advising all ships to avoid passage through the Red Sea and waters near Yemen, recommending they take the route around Africa instead, as the region is now considered a war zone. One can imagine the economic consequences of such a decision.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department condemned the unprovoked horrific attack by the Houthis on the two cargo ships. “These attacks demonstrate the continued threat posed by Houthi rebels to free navigation. The United States is clear: We will continue to take necessary action to protect freedom of navigation,” the statement emphasized.
