Three Filipino seafarers have been confirmed dead, while five others were rescued after the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Eternity C was attacked by Houthi rebels and sank off the coast of Yemen on July 8, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The vessel, which carried 22 crew members—21 Filipinos and one Russian—was struck by sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants while sailing near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
The attack, which reportedly involved fast-moving skiffs, drones, and grenade launchers, follows a pattern seen in previous Houthi assaults on commercial vessels in the region.
In a press briefing on the night of July 9, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the ship sank around 1 p.m. (Manila time), shortly after the assault.
“The shipowner has confirmed that the Eternity C sank. Five crew members were rescued from the water. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining crew,” Cacdac said.
He added that while the ship had initially been tilting, it had not yet sunk during the early reports. The full circumstances are still being investigated, with hopes that the rescued crew can provide more details about what happened.
Cacdac declined to reveal the rescued seafarers’ location due to security concerns but confirmed that the department has contacted the families and is providing assistance.
“President Marcos has instructed us to ensure that families receive all necessary support. We are committed to helping them every step of the way,” he said.
On July 10, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia confirmed the deaths of three Filipino crew members and stated that their families had already been informed.
Separate Attack on MV Magic Seas
Just two days earlier, on July 6, Houthi rebels also targeted another Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the MV Magic Seas, which was carrying 22 crew members, including 17 Filipinos. All crew members safely abandoned ship and were rescued by a passing container vessel, the Safeen Prism.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it coordinated the rescue with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and other international agencies, calling it part of their humanitarian commitment to maritime safety.
Red Sea Escalation and Risks to Filipino Seafarers
Since November 2023, the Houthi movement has intensified attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—critical global trade routes. The group claims its actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In response to the growing threat, the DMW has reiterated its strict warning to shipowners and manning agencies: do not deploy Filipino seafarers on vessels transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“The Eternity C and Magic Seas incidents underscore the real and present danger in these waters. Filipino crew should not be placed in harm’s way,” Cacdac warned.
He emphasized that Filipino deployment in the affected areas is now strictly prohibited, and any attempt to circumvent this rule would be met with sanctions.
Enforcement of Safety Protocols
Under Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024, all shipowners are required to report planned transits through high-risk zones and disclose risks to Filipino crew. Cacdac warned that violations would lead to penalties and possibly legal action.
“Our investigation found that Eternity C crossed the Red Sea twice—clear violations of protocol. These unauthorized crossings put lives at risk,” he stated.
The DMW has suspended the manning agency and vessel principal involved in the Eternity C deployment and is considering legal measures. As of this writing, both parties have not issued a public response.
Ongoing Rescue and Government Response
Rescue operations continue as the fate of the remaining 16 Filipino crew members from the Eternity C remains uncertain. The DMW said it remains in direct contact with the seafarers’ families and is providing updates through virtual meetings and calls.
“We will not stop until every crew member is accounted for. The President has ordered us to adopt a people-first approach in handling this crisis,” Cacdac said.