The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday that three of the 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the Liberian-flagged MV Eternity C died following a recent attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia disclosed the information to the media, adding that the department has already spoken with the families of the victims.
At a Palace press briefing, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they are ramping up efforts to assist Filipino seafarers and their families following the separate attacks by Houthi rebels on two commercial vessels in the Red Sea, one of which has since sunk, referring to MV Eternity C.
Cacdac said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered concerned agencies to provide full protection to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially Filipino mariners, and extend all necessary support to their families.
Seventeen Filipino crew members from the MV Magic Seas, which was attacked by Houthi forces on Sunday, are safe and expected to arrive in the Philippines on Thursday, July 11.
The government is coordinating their return and will offer “whole-of-government” assistance upon their arrival.
More dire is the situation involving the MV Eternity C, a bulk carrier that was attacked late on July 7 while sailing toward Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from Berbera, Somalia.
Cacdac said the vessel was struck by missiles and rocket-propelled grenades and was surrounded by Houthis aboard small boats.
The ship sank after sustaining heavy damage to its engine room, bridge, and communication systems, making it impossible to establish contact with the crew during the attack.
Of the 22 crew members aboard the MV Eternity C, 21 of them Filipino, including the ship’s captain, five Filipino seafarers, and one Indian armed guard, have been rescued. Sixteen remain unaccounted for as of Wednesday, and search operations are ongoing.
“We received confirmation yesterday afternoon from our manning agency, the ship owner, and our defense attaché in Bahrain that the MV Eternity C had sunk,” said Cacdac, who has been meeting with the seafarers’ families over the past two days.
The five rescued Filipinos are now en route to an undisclosed location for security reasons.
Cacdac assured that once safely relocated, the seafarers will receive comprehensive medical and mental health support from the government.
“We will do all we can to assist them and ensure they recover physically, emotionally, and mentally from this ordeal,” he said.
President Marcos has directed the DMW and other relevant agencies to prioritize the safety and repatriation of affected individuals and provide continuous support to their families.
