Eight Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C attacked by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen are now home with their families, as the government continues to hope for the still missing 13 others.
The Department of Migrant Workers on Wednesday evening welcomed the group upon their arrival at the NAIA Terminal 1 via Saudi Airlines flight SV870 at past 9 p.m.
“Due to the severity of the incident, only eight people have been able to return home. But we hope that we have some hope for the others who were left behind. But for now, thanks to the rescue that brought home eight crew members of the Eternity C,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press briefing shortly after the arrival of the seafarers.
The group was part of the crew of the Greek-flagged MV Eternity C, which was struck by missiles in two separate attacks by Houthi rebels on July 7 and 8 while navigating the Red Sea. The vessel later sank.
A total of 22 crew members of the MV Eternity C were on board, 21 of whom are Filipinos.
Cacdac said the government is not losing hope that the 13 who remain unaccounted for would soon be located.
While reports suggest that some may be held captive by the Houthi forces, Cacdac refused to officially confirm specifics for security concerns, and cited ongoing efforts by the Department of Foreign Affairs and other diplomatic partners.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose De Vega said the department is exerting all diplomatic efforts for the remaining crew members.
DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan said the eight repatriated seafarers would each receive P75,000 in financial aid from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, another P75,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and additional assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Medical support from the Department of Health and free skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are also being provided to help them reintegrate.
