23 Filipino Seafarers Rescued from Ship Hit by Houthi Missile

Jerusalem, 23 August, 2024 (TPS) -- MANILA – The 23 Filipino seafarers aboard a Greek-flagged crude oil tanker left adrift at sea after it was hit by a missile launched by Houthi rebels, have been rescued by the French Navy.

“The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirms that all 23 Filipino crew members of MT Sounion have been successfully rescued from the ship and are now on their way to a safe port,” read the advisory issued Thursday evening.

The DMW said the information was relayed by Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Anne Jalando-on Louis and Philippine Defense Attaché to Bahrain Capt. Gacusan, and confirmed by Defense Attaché to Abu Dhabi Capt. Romeo Marana.

In a press briefing Thursday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the oil tanker was adrift after it was hit off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah in the afternoon of Aug. 21 (Philippine time).

“There were three missile attacks and the attacks caused damage to the engine, and the ship has taken in some water, but it’s not water that is enough to sink the ship,” Cacdac said.

Nobody was hurt or injured during the incident, he added.

The crew members were rescued by the French Navy at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 22 (Philippine time).

Meanwhile, Cacdac noted that all 23 Filipino seafarers gave proper consent and did not avail of their right to refuse sailing.

However, based on the DMW department order, once a ship has been attacked, that particular principal or ship owner will no longer be allowed to board any Filipino seafarers on any of its voyages that navigate through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, considered high-risk areas and war-like zones.

Cacdac said the DMW would meet with the tripartite advisory council to discuss the issue.

He said eight principals and ship owners are on the list of those prohibited from boarding Filipino seafarers navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden routes.

The principal of Sounion will be added to the list.

DFA warns Filipino seafarers

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday advised Filipino seafarers to avoid deployment and exercise their right to refuse to sail at the Red Sea amid a worsening situation there.

“The DFA advises the public that the danger to all shipping in the Red Sea remains. This situation has worsened due in part to the conflict escalation in the Red Sea that poses a clear and present danger to all Filipino seafarers working in the area,” it said.

The advisory called on Filipino seafarers to exercise “prudent choice” and their “right to refuse sailing” in the Red Sea.

“Philippine nationals should avoid the area altogether unless absolutely necessary for their livelihood,” it added.

The key international trade route has been under assault since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels relentlessly targeting Israel-linked commercial vessels.

In November, it seized the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader and has been holding hostage its crew members for nine months now. (PNA)