TWO ships carrying a total of 38 Filipino seafarers were attacked by suspected Houthi rebels in the Red Sea near Yemen, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Tuesday.
The DMW statement detailed two separate incidents. The first involved the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Magic Seas, which was attacked on Sunday approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.
According to a report from the ship’s licensed manning agency, Crewcare Inc., Houthi rebels in small boats, armed with automatic weapons and a rocket-propelled grenade, launched an attack on the vessel.
However, the ship’s security team, comprising four armed personnel, successfully repelled the attack. The 17 Filipino seafarers and two other crew members aboard escaped unharmed and were later rescued by the container ship Safeen Prism.
They are currently staying at a hotel in Djibouti.
The DMW did not provide details regarding the second attack or the number of Filipino seafarers involved in the second incident. The statement only mentioned that a second ship was also attacked.
The DMW is working to gather further information about the second attack and to ensure the safety and well-being of all Filipino seafarers involved. The attacks highlight the ongoing dangers faced by seafarers in the volatile Red Sea region, particularly near Yemen, where conflicts and piracy remain prevalent.
The DMW emphasized its commitment to assisting the affected seafarers and working with relevant agencies to address the situation.
The successful defense by the MV Magic Seas’ security team underscores the importance of adequate security measures on vessels traversing high-risk areas.
The swift rescue operation by the Safeen Prism also highlights the role of international cooperation in ensuring the safety of seafarers.
The DMW’s response underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to protecting its citizens working abroad. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage to both vessels and to identify those responsible for the attacks.
