Yemen’s Houthi rebels have released a disturbing video that captures the moment they stormed and sank a commercial cargo ship in the Red Sea. The footage shows armed militants boarding the vessel, using automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades to take control. After securing the ship, the attackers planted multiple explosive charges along the hull and later detonated them, causing the vessel to list and sink.
Orchestrated Sabotage Captured on Video
The incident was executed with chilling precision. Alarm systems aboard the ship blared as the attackers moved through the corridors. Explosions rocked the hull below the waterline, and smoke billowed from various compartments as the vessel began to take on water. A drone hovering overhead filmed the entire sequence, from the initial boarding to the ship’s final moments before submerging beneath the sea.
Fortunately, all crewmembers and security personnel were safely evacuated before the explosives were detonated. The rescued individuals were picked up by a nearby vessel and are reported to be safe. Despite the extensive damage to the ship, no casualties among the crew were reported in this particular incident.
Renewed Threat to Strategic Trade Routes
This attack is part of a growing pattern of maritime assaults in the Red Sea, a strategic corridor for global shipping. In recent months, there has been a notable escalation in violence, including hijackings and deadly attacks on other commercial vessels. The latest strike is considered one of the most high-profile since the start of the year.
In retaliation, regional military forces have conducted airstrikes targeting rebel-held ports and infrastructure. Fighter jets and precision-guided munitions were deployed in an effort to deter future attacks and assert control over the region’s maritime routes. The assaults have reignited international concerns over the safety of global trade and the rising threat to seafarers navigating conflict-prone waters.
Global Shipping at Increased Risk
The Red Sea remains a critical artery for international commerce, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Attacks like this not only threaten lives but also disrupt supply chains and drive up shipping insurance costs. As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders in the global maritime industry are urging coordinated naval patrols and stricter security protocols to safeguard essential trade routes.
Scenes of the targeting and sinking of the Magic Seas ship, whose owner violated the Yemeni Armed Forces' ban. pic.twitter.com/sD5H7gy6Ck
— Ahmed Hassan 🇾🇪 أحمد حسن زيد (@Ahmed_hassan_za) July 8, 2025
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Source: Marine Insight
