DMW verifying status of missing, injured Filipinos in ship attack

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac said they are confirming the status of two missing and two injured Filipino crew members, as reported by international media following an attack on the Greek-flagged bulk carrier MV Eternity C off the coast of Hodeidah, Yemen.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Cacdac said MV Eternity C was attacked around midnight to early Tuesday morning. The bulk carrier had 22 crew members on board — 21 Filipinos and one Indian national.

He noted that the ship’s communication system was “significantly damaged,” complicating efforts to contact the crew and ship authorities.

Cacdac described the attack as simultaneous, intense, and targeted.

“There were sea drones and fast-moving skiffs with armed assailants and rocket-propelled grenades that were launched that significantly damaged the communication systems of the ship,” he said.

The vessel is managed by Cosmoship Management, while its Filipino crew members were deployed through the local manning agency Status Maritime Corp.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Cacdac confirmed that the Greek-operated MV Magic Seas, which was attacked on Sunday, had 19 crew members on board — including 17 Filipinos.

“They are safe, [the] 17 Filipinos. They were rescued and transported to Djibouti. The ship was not as lucky — it was damaged and abandoned. The crew are headed home, so we’re hoping to have them home soon,” he said.

Cacdac also announced that both vessels will now be prohibited from boarding Filipino seafarers, as a safety precaution.