Eight Filipino Sailors Return Home After Houthi Attack, 13 Still Missing

Jerusalem, 17 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- MANILA (PNA) – Eight Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C attacked by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen are now home with their families, as the government continues to hope for the other 13 still missing.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), on Wednesday evening, welcomed the group upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Saudi Airlines flight.

“Due to the severity of the incident, only eight people have been able to return home. But we hope that we have some hope for the others who were left behind. But for now, thanks to the rescue that brought home eight crew members of the Eternity C,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press briefing shortly after the arrival of the Filipino seafarers.

The group was part of the crew of the Greek-flagged MV Eternity C, which was struck by missiles in two separate attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on July 7 and 8 while navigating the Red Sea. The vessel later sank.

A total of 22 crew members of the MV Eternity C were on board, 21 of whom are Filipinos.

Cacdac said the Philippine government is not losing hope that the 13 who remain unaccounted for would soon be located.

He said the DMW is still working with the shipowner to account for the other crew members.

He added that the ship owner has also sought the help of the maritime industry and has asked passing ships in the area to observe the surroundings.

Cacdac said while reports suggest that some may be held captive by the Houthi forces, he refused to officially confirm specifics for security concerns, and cited ongoing efforts by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other diplomatic partners.

“Because we know that the Houthis have declared that they have several of our crew members in their hands. But from here, I will not add any more details because we know that our colleagues at the DFA, Secretary Tess Lazaro, are also coordinating, confirming measures that are being implemented,” Cacdac said.

“We know there are reports about the numbers 3 or 4, even 5 in some international reports. But again, we will not be so hasty as to conclude na may fatalities at this stage. They’re still subject to confirmation. We’re working closely with the DFA along those lines.”

On the part of the DFA, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose De Vega said the department is exerting all diplomatic efforts for the remaining crew members.

He also said neighboring partner countries are assisting and cooperating with the Philippine government on the matter.

“We still can’t confirm the number of casualties or if the Houthis really have anything or how many they have. Let’s just say that if they do, at least we know that the crew is alive,” De Vega said.

He said the DFA would make all the diplomatic moves, in cooperation with other agencies and diplomatic partners.

DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan said the eight repatriated seafarers would each receive PHP75,000 in financial aid from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, another PHP75,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and additional assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Medical support from the Department of Health and free skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are also being provided to help them reintegrate.

“Our priority now is their recovery, physically, emotionally, and financially. This is a full-government effort to help them heal and move forward,” she said.

“Rest assured, the first things first is to take care of them, right? Medical protocols, basic needs, food, time to rest, time to spend with their families who are here tonight. That’s the priority at this stage,” Cacdac added.

Cacdac said initial investigations show that Eternity C passed through the Red Sea multiple times without submitting mandatory risk assessments or securing armed escorts, violating Philippine regulations.

He said the DMW has placed the ship’s manning agency and principal under preventive suspension, with a formal investigation underway.

“We are enforcing our seafarers’ right to refuse sailing through high-risk areas. Safety must always come first,” Cacdac said.

Despite the trauma, the returning seafarers are in good spirits, he said, describing their arrival as emotional, with tearful reunions between crew members and their families.

“Let me just say that there is fortitude in the Filipino seafarer. There’s a lot of pride in the way they carry out their work, a lot of resilience, a lot of Filipino strength, fortitude, and should I say the willpower, determination to survive. And all of that we saw today,” Cacdac said.