The Philippine government announced the safe return of eight Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The seafarers arrived on July 16 at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City, following coordinated efforts from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In light of the incident, the DMW is providing financial assistance through its AKSYON Fund and the OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Fund. Additionally, the seafarers will receive medical care from the Department of Health and comprehensive reintegration support from TESDA.
The MV Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, was reportedly attacked multiple times by Houthi militants, leading to its sinking. Among its 22 crew members, 21 were Filipinos. In response to the escalating risks, the Philippine government has previously restricted Filipino seafarers from boarding vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, requiring manning agencies to guarantee that these vessels will not enter designated “war-like zones.”
