Report Filipino Seafarers Rescued After Houthi Attack in Red Sea

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Photo courtesy of PhilStar

 

In a dramatic rescue, eight Filipino crew members from the cargo vessel M/V Eternity C have safely reached Saudi Arabia after their ship was sunk by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed their safe arrival at Jizan port.

 

The crew, initially caught in the violent assault near the Yemeni coast on 7th July, are now in the care of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, alongside the Migrant Workers' Office and their shipping agency. They are set to undergo medical evaluations before returning to the Philippines in the coming days.

 

A formal statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs extended sincere gratitude to Saudi Arabia for offering visa considerations on humanitarian grounds. This gesture has facilitated the immediate care and support for the stranded seafarers.

 

The M/V Eternity C, which flew a Liberian flag, held 21 Filipino crew members during the Houthi attack. The insurgents’ assault marks a significant increase in violence in the Red Sea since they began targeting international vessels late last year.

 

The attack on the Eternity C occurred just a day after a similar strike on the MV Magic Seas, another Liberian-flagged vessel. Fortunately, all 17 Filipino crew members aboard that ship were rescued safely.

 

Despite the rescue, most of the Eternity C’s crew remain missing. These back-to-back incidents represent some of the most severe maritime strikes in the region, highlighting ongoing tensions and threats to international shipping lanes. Reports indicate at least two fatalities from the recent attacks, but the nationalities of the deceased have not been disclosed.

 

As the situation develops, the rescued crew are awaiting repatriation, while efforts continue to account for the missing members. The Philippine government is working closely with international partners to ensure the safety and quick return of all affected citizens.

 

These incidents underscore the increasing dangers faced by vessels navigating these troubled waters, prompting shipping companies to reassess security measures and operational routes.

 

The financial implications of these disruptions are significant, affecting global trade routes that pass through the Red Sea. The ongoing instability prompts countries and companies to strengthen diplomatic engagement and security protocols in this critical passage.

 

As the world watches, the plight of these sailors stands as a stark reminder of the often-overlooked human element behind global maritime trade.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-07-15