23 Pinoy seafarers safe in another Houthi attack

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-three Filipino crewmembers of a Greek-flagged oil tanker attacked by Houthi rebels are all safe, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported yesterday.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said a rescue operation for the 25-strong crew of M/T Sounion, including the 23 Filipinos, was to be done by the European Union naval mission.

“All 23 Filipino seafarers are safe and sound. We don’t have any information about the exchange of fire. Their safe and sound status has been confirmed repeatedly,” Cacdac said at a press briefing.

He revealed having directly communicated with one of the Filipino seafarers, who expressed their wish for immediate rescue.

“Understandably, they are anxious and requested that they be rescued,” Cacdac said.

According to the DMW chief, M/T Sounion was under multiple attacks by suspected Houthi rebels while cruising Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday. The vessel suffered engine damage and could no longer resume voyage.

“The ship has taken in some water, although not enough to sink it,” Cacdac said.

As provided under DMW regulations, the owner of M/T Sounion shall no longer be allowed to board Filipinos on their ships that will be cruising the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

He said eight other ship owners whose vessels got involved in the grave attack by Houthi rebels while traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, would also be prohibited from hiring Filipino seafarers.

All the 23 Filipino seafarers, Cacdac said, are advised to return home, adding that the Philippine government would work for their immediate repatriation.

Upon return, they will receive P75,000 in financial assistance from the DMW aside from benefits to be provided by their foreign principal and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Cacdac said 122 seafarers have so far availed themselves of their right to refuse boarding vessels traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which were previously declared as war-like zones.