EIGHT Filipino seafarers who survived last week’s attack by Houthi rebels on their Greek-managed vessel M/V Eternity C have reached safety at Jizan Port in Saudi Arabia, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Meanwhile, the Philippine government is also conducting communications to determine the situation of 13 missing Filipino crewmen of the MV Eternity C.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported to President Marcos that the eight seamen are currently under the care of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the One-Country Team of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The group disembarked at the Port of Jizan and attended a virtual meeting with Cacdac and Labor attaché Fidel Macauyag.
Macauyag said in a video call that the seafarers will be brought to a hospital for medical checkup.
The DMW, in close coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, is exerting efforts to ensure the immediate repatriation of the sailors and access to critical support services, including medical evaluation, psychosocial counselling, and the issuance of travel documents.
“These brave seafarers have endured a traumatic ordeal at sea. We are working round-the-clock with their manning agency and the shipping company to ensure they receive the care and support they need,” Cacdac said.
“As directed by the President, their safety and recovery are our top priorities,” he added.
The DMW, together with the DFA and other concerned agencies, continue to monitor the seafarers’ condition and remained in touch with their families to provide updates and assistance.
The DMW has called on the families of these 13 seafarers, assuring them of full support and assistance as directed by the President.
The DMW affirms its steadfast commitment to protect Filipino seafarers —especially those caught in crisis situations—and ensuring their safe return home, the DMW said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “8 Pinoy seafarers who escape Houthis now safe in Saudi—DMW”
