DMW verifying Filipino in cargo vessel crew attacked in Gulf of Aden

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is verifying whether a Filipino seaman is among the crew of a Dutch-flagged cargo vessel attacked in the Gulf of Aden.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the DMW said it is saddened and concerned about the attack on MV Minervagracht on Monday in the Gulf of Aden.

It was unclear if the vessel was targeted by Houthi forces, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, Reuters reported.

Two of the 19 seafarers were injured, said Spliethoff, the Amsterdam-based operator of the Minervagracht.

“Agad pong nakikipag-ugnayan ang DMW sa ship operator, employer, mga manning agency, at sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) kasama ang ating mga konsulado upang beripikahin kung may Pilipino ngang kabilang sa mga apektado,” the DMW said.

[Translation: The DMW immediately coordinated with the ship operator, employer, manning agency, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and the consulates to verify if there really is a Filipino sailor affected.]

If confirmed, the DMW said it will provide medical and psychological assistance, legal aid, and repatriation, if needed.

All of the crew members have been safely evacuated to Djibouti, said the European Union maritime mission Aspides.

Aspides reported 10 seafarers were boarded on HS Spetsai, eight were taken on board a French frigate, and one seriously injured was transferred to Djibouti through a French helicopter.

The vessel operator said Minervagracht, which had no cargo at the time, was sailing from Djibouti when it was hit by an unknown explosive device in the Gulf of Aden on Monday.

Both Spliethoff and Aspides reported that the cargo vessel remains on fire and adrift.

In July, nine Filipino seafarers were “in the hands” of Houthi forces after the Yemen-based rebel group attacked the MV Eternity C. 

The DMW assured the public that it is strengthening its protection of seafarers, especially those in high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden. - NewsWatch Plus Multiplatform Producer Jelo Mantaring contributed to this report