Gov’t validating Filipino crew status in ship attacked off Yemen

Metro Manila, Philippines - The government is validating the status of Filipino crew members of a cargo ship hit by a drone attack off Yemen, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said.

International media reported that two crew members were injured and another two missing after the attack on the Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated MV Eternity C on Monday, July 7.

Reuters reported that the vessel had 21 Filipino seafarers on board and one Russian. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

“There were sea drones, fast moving skiffs with armed assailants, and rocket propelled grenades that were launched that significantly damaged the communication system of the ship,” Cacdac said of the attack in a virtual briefing on Tuesday.

“We are in close coordination with the manning agent. The principal or ship owner, we are having difficulty communicating with them,” the secretary said.

“We are a little frustrated about this but we hope that they will come forward soon,” he added.

Cacdac said his officials have reached out to more than half of the families of affected seafarers, adding that a virtual meeting is set later on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on another bulk carrier, MV Magic Seas, where almost all of the seafarers on board were Filipinos. 

“Both principals in the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity C will definitely be prohibited from boarding Filipino seafarers on their ship should they insist to navigate or traverse the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden,” Cacdac said.

“We don’t want any more Filipino casualties in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden,” he added.