by John Faraclas
Update 06:11 a.m. UTC
The team leader of the security guards/team, the only greek on board the “Eternity C”, was rescued by Diaplous and Ambrey teams present in the region after being over 24 hours in the treacherous waters of the Red Sea by rescuers. The Houthis hold six members of the crew and four are still missing. We shall keep you posted and we shall confirm these news later on today.
Update 07:05 a.m. UTC
As you read these lines, the rescue operation of the Eternity C crew and guards is underway. The ship as we hear has sunk. We await official confirmation. One of the three guards is still missing.
Update 06:59 a.m. UTC
Rescue teams and special guards tried to approach the Eternity C but no luck; they were 1 (one) mile off the ship but there wasn’t any communication whatsoever and also around there were 5 to 6 Houthi skiffs. Rescuers and special guards decided to pull back at a distance of 10 miles and return back with day light when visibility is better. One of the injured seafarers passed away – await official reconfirmation.
Major trouble was also the entire issue with Magic Seas – also a vessel belonging to greek interests. Her crew as we hear is safe.
We hear that the Italian naval ship was for repairs in Egypt, the French Navy’s one moved to the Straits of Hormuz and a greek frigate, heading for exercises with the Indian Navy; we await confirmation on these three naval vessels. All three vessels were operating under the EU flag in the operation ASPIDES.
Something must be done and both the UN, IMO, the EU and the US supported by NATO, as this is a big set up with the Houthis and their accomplices involving possibly other elements wishing to gain money and change completely the pattern of trade in the region. Some suggested to close down completely the Red Sea… We shall see.
Lastly, we repeat that the Shipping World is very much concerned with not being able to communicate with the Eternity C.
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The “Eternity C”, yet another cargo ship was hit by the Houthi terrorists and I guess we had enough from the Houthis and its about time we get rid of them once and for all, here and now!!!!!! No excuses please.
From her crew, as far as we know, there are three dead – Chief Engineer, oiler and an engine cadet as well as two injured – electrician and one more crew member with unidentified rank. The crew comprised mainly from Filipinos, a Russian and also there were armed guards on board.
Since 06:13 hrs an order to abandon ship has been given but same hasn’t been materialised as her lifeboats have been hit. Moreover the vessel has no cargo and her freeboard prohibits other actions.
The big question hanging around is two-fold: where are the ships from both Operations “Prosperity Guardian” and “Aspides” as well as ships from the US, British and Dutch navies we understand are in the area…
Add the fact that this is yet another greek vessel hit alike others in the Black Sea and Libya. “Wonder” why Greek owned ships are being targeted…
Very recently in live TV appearances we have stressed the fact human life and in particular of crew members is paramount and non negotiable. We must saw zero tolerance.
Good to read IMO’s Secretary-General statement this morning but with all due respect its not enough and he must press the superpowers to end this despicable mess. The IMO M U S T also expel all those countries who one way or another support the Houthis and others in the Black Sea, in Libya and other places on Planet Ocean by any way and means. Good to read INTERCARGO’S President message too!! Coming from a shipping and seafaring families I know only too well what’s going on and feelings are running high when I read of dead or injured or kidnapped seafarers. My father has been torpedoed by the Nazis, and many relatives were lost! One family ship, the s/s “P. Margaronis”, a tweendecker, sunk, after being torpedoed in WWII and all perished. Dozens of ships of relatives suffered…
The ship’s flag state MUST make a very strong case; same applies for other flag states.
Finally, it’s not a common secret, but the Houthis are making deals which tonnage to attack and which not. Our “man” in Habana is there, and everywhere and we know what goes on. A coherent coordinated approach is very much needed.
Appropriate and co-ordinated usage of drones from those navies patrolling the Red Sea and its treacherous points / positions, can save hundreds of lives, ships as well as the environment.
Look forward to your comments.
