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 Magic Seas, a dry bulk carrier owned by Greece’s Stem Shipping, was the first on a commercial vessel since December by the group, which is backed by Iran. It was followed almost immediately by Israeli strikes on a number of Houthi-held ports in Yemen.

The Israeli military says the strikes were a response to attacks by the Houthis, who later launched two missiles towards Israel and the occupied West Bank.