Greece calls for de-escalation after Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea

Greece has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on two Greek-owned, Liberia-flagged cargo ships in the Red Sea, calling for urgent international action to halt violence and protect seafarers.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Yemen, Greece’s UN Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris labelled the attacks on Magic Seas and Eternity C as “well-planned and thoroughly organised,” involving advanced weaponry such as drones and RPGs.

The attacks led to the sinking of both vessels and the confirmed deaths of at least four crew members, with sixteen still missing.

“This emergency situation demands an emergency response,” said Sekeris, condemning the attacks “in the strongest possible terms” and expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families.

He urged the immediate and unconditional cessation of Houthi violence, calling threats to seafarers “totally unacceptable and unjustifiable.”

The Security Council discussed this morning the situation in Yemen. PR of 🇬🇷, Amb. @evasekeris:

↘️ condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent blatant Houthi attacks against the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned commercial vessels M/V Magic Seas and Eternity C, in the Red… pic.twitter.com/AoA4W9w6gA

— Greece to the United Nations (@GRUN_NY) July 9, 2025

Sekeris highlighted Greece’s active coordination with the European Union’s ASPIDES naval mission and reaffirmed the country’s “steadfast commitment” to protecting navigational freedom in the Red Sea.

Greece is also working with the United States to renew Security Council Resolution 2768 on maritime security in the region and has led a UN initiative for a joint statement condemning the attacks, which was backed by many member states.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with six crew members saved after spending over 24 hours in the sea. The EU and Greece are also engaging diplomatically, including with Saudi Arabia, to help defuse tensions.

Greece reiterated its support for the UN-led peace process in Yemen, stressing that long-term regional stability is only possible through a political resolution.