Remains of Pinoy crew member of MV Minervagracht repatriated

Metro Manila, Philippines - The remains of the Filipino seafarer who died after a Dutch-flagged cargo vessel was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden arrived in the country on Sunday evening, Oct. 19.

The Filipino seafarer died from injuries sustained in the attack of the Yemen-based Houthi forces on the MV Minervagracht on Sept. 29.

The sailor’s family, officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the licensed manning agency went to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to receive the remains.

In a news release, the DMW said the body will be sent first to the wife’s community in Iligan City before being brought to the seafarer’s parents and other relatives in Zamboanga del Sur.

“Lubos ang pakikiramay ng Department of Migrant Workers sa pamilya ng yumaong marinong Pilipino, at tiniyak ang patuloy na pagbibigay ng tulong at suporta alinsunod sa tagubilin ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” the DMW said.

“Hiniling din ng DMW sa publiko ang pagdarasal at pagbibigay-galang sa pamilya ng nasawing tripulante sa panahon ng kanilang pagluluksa,” it added.

[Translation: The DMW offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Filipino seafarer. We assure you of continued aid and support as ordered by President Marcos. The DMW asks the public to pray for the deceased seafarer’s family in their time of grief.]

The DMW said it has an ongoing investigation into the attack on the MV Minervagracht to determine the responsibility of the manning agency and the foreign principal.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac earlier told reporters he has ordered the suspension of the manning agency and the shipowner as they failed to report to the DMW that the vessel would cross the area - considered high risk for rebel attacks. 

Houthis deployed a cruise missile on the Minervagracht, which had no cargo when it passed the Gulf of Aden, a strategic and critical waterway in the Middle East.

Eleven Filipino seafarers, including one who had minor injuries, have been repatriated to the country.

Since 2023, the Houthis have attacked ships, which they say were linked to Israel, in the Red Sea to show solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war on Gaza.