Four people are presumed dead after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship came under an hourslong attack from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who ultimately sank the vessel in the Red Sea.

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.

Yemen's Huthi rebels have resumed their attacks on Red Sea shipping, saying they aim to force Israel to cease fire in Gaza -- a move that threatens a truce with Washington and rattles maritime trade.