Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates has successfully rescued 22 crew members from a commercial cargo ship that sank in the Red Sea following a violent attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to an official statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Liberian-flagged vessel Magic Seas, operated by a Greek shipping company, was en route from China to Turkey carrying iron and fertilizer when it came under heavy assault on Sunday. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, and explosive-laden unmanned boats. The assault caused severe structural damage, forcing the crew to abandon ship in rough waters off the Yemeni coast.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, the UAE-operated vessel Safeen Prism, part of the AD Ports Group, led the rescue mission in coordination with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and other international maritime bodies. All 22 individuals aboard—including crew and security personnel—were safely evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.

“This operation reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety and its humanitarian responsibility in protecting lives at sea,” the Ministry said in a statement.