Filipino sailors return after surviving Houthi missile attack in Yemen

Eleven Filipino sailors have returned to the Philippines after surviving a Houthi missile attack off Yemen. The sailors were crew members of the merchant ship True Trust, which was attacked by the Houthis, resulting in the deaths of three sailors, including two Filipinos. The survivors received government assistance upon their arrival in Manila and expressed gratitude to the military personnel who rescued them.

Two Filipino sailors who were seriously injured in the attack are currently recovering in a hospital in Djibouti and will be flown back to Manila once they receive medical clearance. The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, disrupting global shipping and increasing costs for companies. The Philippine government has reached an agreement with the International Transport Workers Federation to allow Filipino seafarers to refuse assignments in high-risk areas.

The Philippines is a significant source of seafarers for the global maritime sector, with overseas Filipinos sending over $2.5 billion back home each month. This influx of money boosts consumer spending and contributes to economic growth in the country. The agreement with the ITWF aims to protect Filipino seafarers from dangerous assignments and ensure their safety while working in the maritime industry.

Source .