Red Sea Cargo Ship Hit by Attack, Bursts into Flames

Hodeidah, Yemen, July 7, 2025 – A commercial cargo ship got hammered by an attack off Hodeidah, Yemen, on July 6, 2025, sparking a massive fire. Sitting about 50 nautical miles west in the Red Sea, the ship took hits from what folks say were rockets and drones, kicking up chaos in a trade route that's already on edge. This is the latest mess in a string of Houthi rebel attacks rocking global shipping.

What Went Down

The ship, a merchant vessel kept hush-hush for safety, got blasted by rocket-propelled grenades and naval drones from eight small boats. The attack set the living quarters ablaze, with the hull and cargo taking a beating. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) sent out warnings to nearby ships, telling them to stay sharp. A sailor on board said, “Flames were everywhere, but we got out alive.” No deaths reported yet, and rescue teams are scrambling.

Houthis Stirring the Pot

The Iran-backed Houthis, who control chunks of Yemen's Red Sea coast, have been gunning for ships they tie to Israel over the Gaza conflict. They've hit over 60 vessels in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait since October 2023, though plenty of these ships have nothing to do with Israel. The Houthis claimed this one “fit their targets,” but a local fisherman snapped, “They're just making life hell for everyone.” The Red Sea is a lifeline to the Suez Canal, and these attacks are screwing with global trade.

Navy Stepping Up

The US Navy, backed by UK and French forces, is patrolling hard under Operation Prosperity Guardian. They've been clashing with the Houthis, like when three Houthi boats got sunk in December 2023. The US Central Command says Houthi claims about only hitting Israel-linked ships are nonsense, with over 40 countries getting hit by the fallout. Insurance costs for Red Sea trips have shot up, making shippers sweat. A port worker said, “Nobody wants to risk it anymore.”

Trade Takes a Hit

The attack shook markets, with Brent crude oil prices climbing 2% fast. Big players like Maersk and MSC are eyeing detours around the Cape of Good Hope, which tacks on weeks to Europe-Asia routes. Maersk already paused Red Sea runs for 48 hours after another attack, and the industry's looking at 15–20% less capacity. A trader grumbled, “This is jacking up prices for everything—clothes, tech, you name it.”

World's Watching

European allies like Denmark and Bahrain are pushing for tougher moves against the Houthis, while China stays quiet, sitting out a UN Security Council vote slamming the attacks. Yemenis are bracing for more trouble, with some saying this could spark a “bigger fight.” The Houthis, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, swear they're fighting for Palestine and won't stop until Gaza does.

What's Next

The Red Sea mess is getting worse, with no end to Houthi attacks in sight. The US Navy and allies are under pressure to keep the route open, but shippers might keep dodging it. A market watcher said, “This could choke trade for months.” Diplomacy or more firepower will decide what happens next.