MANILA, Philippines — A total of 23 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea have been rescued from a drifting tanker after three missiles launched by Houthi rebels hit the ship on Wednesday, the Department of Migrant Workers said Thursday.
“The ship sustained engine damage from three missile strikes, resulting in some water intake, but it did not sink. It is currently drifting,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said during a Palace briefing.
Cacdac said that 23 of the 25 crew members of the MT Sounion are Filipinos, while the other two, including the captain, are Russians.
The ship was hit by three missile attacks that damaged the engine and caused it to take on some water. Although it’s not in danger of sinking, the ship is now adrift, he said.
According to the official, the vessel is drifting west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
Cacdac said that he is in contact with one of the seafarers and assured the public that all crew members are safe and the vessel has enough supplies.
“They are anxious and are requesting to be rescued from the ship,” Cacdac said.
The DMW official said that the agency will help bring the seafarers back home once they are safe and will offer extra financial support when they return to the Philippines.
“Upon their return, we will offer them financial assistance to facilitate their transition and recovery,” Cacdac said.
