The Iranian-backed Houthis published a video of their June 6 and June 7 attack on the Magic Seas ship in the Red Sea. They also attacked another ship in the same area, around 51 nautical miles from Hodeidah, a major Houthi port.
The new video sheds light on how the Houthis attacked the ship. First they called the Magic Seas on VHF radio channel 16, the channel usually used for emergencies and also for communications at sea. The Houthis demanded that the vessel slow and apparently stop, but the ship said it would not stop. The Houthis then attacked it using fast small vessels, apparently firing on the ship and then directing kamikaze drones to attack it.
The Yemen-based terrorist organization then set about putting in place a more complex plan. They had already used a swarm of boats, RPGs, and small arms fire. They then used drones, apparently pinpointing the cargo ship’s location in order to strike it precisely. The vessel, a large red bulk carrier, had been transiting the Red Sea toward the Suez Canal.
It was under the flag of Liberia. However, many ships sail under a flag that is not connected to their ownership or management.
Video published showing Houthis boarding the ship
The Houthi’s video also showed how they boarded the ship, arriving at its bridge, most likely after the crew had abandoned it, as there were no people on board, as well as broken glass. The terrorist group then appears to have attached explosives to the ship and detonated them, causing the ship to slowly sink as a result. The Houthi video shows a time-lapse of the ship sinking.
This is a serious and coordinated attack by the Houthis. It illustrates the return of their deadly threats to shipping. The Houthis are able to coordinate drone attacks and attacks using small vessels. It seems that there were no western naval assets that were able to respond and help the Magic Seas. However, the UAE did help its crew.
The video illustrates how the Houthis clearly monitored this ship’s transit and carefully planned the attack. They also were able to board the ship, hijack it, and then detonate explosives. This is a complex raid by the terrorist organization, indicating that they are not deterred and can attack whichever ship they want. This is at least the third ship the Houthis have sunk in the Red Sea.
On June 7, the IDF carried out airstrikes on the Houthis. Among other targets, the strikes targeted the Galaxy Leader, a ship the Houthis hijacked in November 2023.