Manila: Five of the 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the cargo vessel Eternity C, which sank in the Red Sea following an alleged attack by Houthi rebels, have been rescued, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Wednesday night. The attack reportedly involved drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants off the coast of Yemen.
According to Philippines News Agency, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega stated that the Liberia-flagged vessel has already sunk, and rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining crew members. The DFA has received reports of at least two fatalities, but De Vega did not confirm their nationality, mentioning, "We know of two casualties. We cannot confirm four. We assume they are Filipino."
The vessel was carrying 22 crew members-21 Filipinos and one Russian-when it was struck. Hours before this incident, the Houthis claimed they had sunk another Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, the MV Magic Seas, which was manned by 22 crew members, including 17 Filipinos. The Filipino crew of the MV Magic Seas were all rescued and are now en route to Jeddah.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it facilitated the response operation for the MV Magic Seas in close coordination with specialized maritime authorities, including the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and relevant international organizations. "The swift action reflects the UAE's steadfast commitment to the safety and security of international maritime navigation and its humanitarian solidarity with all nations in addressing the increasing challenges in strategic waterways," the ministry stated.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in a virtual briefing Wednesday evening, declined to confirm the number of casualties, stating that the DMW needed to first speak with the rescued seafarers. Cacdac confirmed that the shipowner had reported the sinking of the Eternity C, and five crew members had been rescued. "We are still getting details as to how exactly that happened and the best way to find out is 'pag nakausap na natin yung lima na-rescue sa panayam (when we have talked with the five who were rescued)," Cacdac explained.
Cacdac noted that initial casualty reports have emerged, but verification is pending direct communication with the rescued crew members. He emphasized that the survivors might provide crucial details about how the vessel sank and their subsequent rescue. The five rescued seafarers are now safe, although their location has not been disclosed for security reasons.
Cacdac assured the public that the DMW is already in communication with the families of the Filipino crew members of MV Eternity C, while maintaining close coordination with the shipowner, maritime security firms, and the Philippine defense attach©s on the ground. "With regard to the families, we have engaged them and sinabi ko na rin sa families, pursuant to the directive of the President ay bibigyan sila ng tulong at hindi kami bibitaw hangga't hindi ganap na naibibigay ang tulong na kailangan nila (I have also told the families that, pursuant to the directive of the President, they will be given assistance and we will not let up until the assistance they need is fully provided)," Cacdac affirmed.
