Yemen's Houthis confirm attack on vessel in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi administration said on Monday that it had attacked the bulk carrier "Magic Seas" in the Red Sea, and that the vessel was now at risk of sinking. 

The 19-member crew of the Greek-owned and Liberia-flagged bulk carrier was severely damaged in the Red Sea by repeated attacks on Sunday. 

In a raid lasting more than four hours, the Magic Seas was attacked by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades from skiffs, as well as by sea drones and missiles.

It was the first such incident reported in the Red Sea since mid-April. 

Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea as an act of solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli bombardment. 

In May, it struck a ceasefire deal with the US to stop attacks on ships - though the agreement did not include ships linked to Israel. 

The Magic Seas has made a port call to Israel in the past, but the latest transit had nothing to do with Israel, Michael Bodouroglou, a representative of its operator Stem Shipping told Reuters.