Shocking video shows the attack on Greek-owned Magic Seas in Red Sea

A shocking video captures the moment Iran-backed Houthis storm the Greek-owned Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red Sea.

Armed fighters are seen boarding the ship at gunpoint, opening fire as panic ensues on deck.

According to the footage, they must have boarded it after the crew abandoned the ship. Moments later, the vessel is engulfed in smoke and flames.

Yemen’s Houthi have released the video to their social media centre X (former twitter), showing the Greek bulk carrier sinking in the Red Sea following their attack.

However, the footage’s authenticity could not be independently verified, and Shipping Telegraph is unable to confirm the vessel’s status.

“The vessel was attacked by multiple small ships using different types of weaponry. Due to the damage suffered, which caused a fire on board, the crew abandoned the merchant vessel,” the European Union Naval Force – Operation Atalanta said in its release.

The incident took place 51 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday.

The vessels had opened fire, and a security team on the vessel had responded, with the incident continuing for hours.

EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA confirmed the successful coordination and facilitation of the rescue of the Magic Seas crew.

EUNAVAFOR ATALANTA noted that it played a key role in enabling the safe recovery of all 22 personnel from the abandoned Magic Seas by establishing direct communication with the designated person ashore of the company operating a passing merchant vessel that has rescued the crew.

Following the rescue, ATALANTA liaised with the Djibouti Coast Guard to ensure the smooth coordination of the crew’s disembarkation.

This outcome, it said, was made possible through close cooperation between ATALANTA, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC).

Measures Taken by the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy

Earlier, the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy 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 dealing with problems involving Greek-flagged ships and their crews, as well as Greek seafarers on Greek-owned ships, 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:

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).

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.

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.

Recommendations for the Protection of Greek Seafarers

Giving top priority to the protection of Greek seafarers, 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 Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy continues to monitor developments in the region, with the primary objective of safeguarding Greek ocean-going shipping by all means necessary.

Video: Spokesperson of the Yemeni armed forces Yahya Sare’e