DMW suspends manning agency, MV Minvergracht owner after Houthi attack

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ordered the suspension of the manning agency and shipowner of MV Minervagracht, the vessel with Filipino seafarers that was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac on Wednesday, Oct. 15, said the licensed manning agency and shipowner failed to report to the DMW that the vessel would cross the area - considered high risk for rebel attacks.

Since 2023, the Yemen-based Houthis have launched assaults on vessels in the Red Sea identified with Israel to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.

“Dahil nagkakontrata pa nag-negosyo pa papuntang gulf, napwersa sila dumaan ng Gulf of Aden na walang abiso sa DMW,” Cacdac said in a chance interview.

“‘Yong right to refuse sailing hindi nasundan, according to the 11 survivors,” he said.

[Translation: Because of taking on a contract and doing business in the gulf, the vessel was forced to go through the Gulf of Aden without an advisory to the DMW. The right to refuse sailing was not followed, according to the 11 survivors.]

The Minervagracht had 12 Filipino crew members and no cargo when it passed the strategic and critical waterway in the Middle East.

Houthi forces claimed responsibility for the Sept. 29 cruise missile attack on the vessel, forcing the evacuation of the 19-member crew via helicopter and injuring two Filipinos, including one who died from critical injuries. 

Cacdac said the remains are expected to be repatriated by Friday evening from Djibouti.