The attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Eternity C in the crucial maritime route came after the Houthis attacked a similar ship called Magic Seas.

The attack on the Eternity C, which killed at least three of the crew, represents the most serious assault carried out by the Houthis in the crucial maritime trade route.

The UN's Yemen envoy has expressed serious concern over the situation in the Red Sea, and warned of potential environmental damage after two Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. The incidents mark the first such attacks since Washington announced a truce with the Iran-backed rebel group in May.