‘Magic Seas’ becomes first merchant vessel targeted by Houthis in southern Red Sea since December 2024

In a latest Threat Circular Update, security specialist Ambrey reports that on 6 July, the bulk carrier ‘Magic Seas’ suffered a multi-modal attack offshore Hodeidah, Yemen. Following small arms fire from skiffs, the vessel was targeted by unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and missiles. Subsequently, the vessel was abandoned and the crew rescued by another merchant vessel. No injuries were reported.

Ambrey says the vessel was assessed to be aligned with the Houthi target profile. Two vessels of the operator’s fleet were observed calling Israeli ports prior to the attack, neither of which was the blockaded Haifa. If Ambrey were to have assessed the risk to this vessel ahead of the transit, the risk would have been high, and the vessel would have been advised not to transit.

The military spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Sare’e, issued a statement on 7 July, claiming responsibility for the attack, claiming the Houthis initially warned the vessel and subsequently targeted it with USVs, unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic, and cruise missiles. The statement included that the vessel was targeted for violating “the entry ban to the ports of occupied Palestine.”

Ambrey says this incident is an extension of the expressed Houthi intent to target Israel-owned and -flagged vessels alongside a ‘blockade’ against Haifa. Ambrey assesses UK and US affiliated shipping to be at reduced risk, provided neither participates in military strikes on the Houthis or Iran.

The Houthis continue to launch missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles toward Israel. These attacks have led to reciprocal Israeli airstrikes against Houthi-held territory such as the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa.

Due to the active/volatile Israel-Hamas and Israel-Iran conflicts, the Houthi threat to Israeli shipping is assessed to remain elevated. Merchant shipping in Houthi-controlled ports may experience collateral damage during airstrikes. Offensive military action is against the Houthis or Iran is assessed to increase the risk to related shipping in the Red Sea as it is probable the Houthis would resume operations in ‘self-defence’ or in support of Iran.