Jeddah: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is urgently working to repatriate the Filipino crew members of the Greek-managed, Liberia-flagged bulk carrier MV Eternity C, attacked by Houthi forces on July 7 off the coast of Yemen.

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the eight Filipino seafarers have disembarked at Jizan Port and are now under the care of the Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) in Saudi Arabia. This operation is part of the One-Country Team led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Jeddah Philippine Consulate General (PCG).

Cacdac stated, "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." He further emphasized that the safety and recovery of the crew are the top priorities as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The MV Eternity C, with 22 crew members onboard, including 21 Filipinos, was attacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels with missiles and rocket-propelled grenades while sailing the Red Sea. Initially, five Filipino seafarers were rescued from the water as the vessel sank, while three more were found in the following days.

On Monday evening, Cacdac conducted a video call with the eight Filipino seafarers, alongside Labor Attach© to Saudi Arabia Fidel Macauyag, who announced that the seafarers would be taken to the hospital for medical protocols. The DMW is also ensuring access to essential support services, including medical evaluations, psychosocial counseling, and the reissuance of travel documents to facilitate their immediate return to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Cacdac assured the families of all 21 Filipino crew members that they will continue to receive updates and assistance as the DMW and the DFA work to account for the 13 remaining seafarers.