Crew deaths, abductions under DMW verification

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac on Thursday said they are verifying reports of fatalities and kidnapped crew members following the sinking of bulk carrier Eternity C on Tuesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Cacdac confirmed that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs following reports that the Houthis kidnapped several seafarers.

“Well, we are fully aware of the, at least, two statements that have come out. The first, of course, is the Houthi statement that they have ‘several’ Eternity C crew; and second is the statement of the United States that they denounced this particular action of taking in the crew as a kidnapping action,” the DMW secretary said.

The U.S. Embassy in Yemen, in a statement on X, said that the Houthis have kidnapped many surviving crew members of the Eternity C.

“We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release. The Houthis continue to show the world why the United States was right to label them a terrorist organization,” the statement read.

Eternity C had 22 crew members on board, with 21 Filipinos. As of Thursday, Cacdac confirmed that eight seafarers have been rescued. Thirteen remain unaccounted for, including three fatalities previously reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations.

The three seafarers have been reportedly killed in the attack, though this has yet to be verified with the rescued crew members.

“As of now, we have information that three were killed, according to the UKMTO, but this is subject to confirmation, that’s why it’s important for us to speak with the five rescued crew members,” Cacdac said. “Of course, we’ll give them time and space. When they arrive at their destination, we’ll make sure they go through the necessary protocols, get rest, and receive adequate care before we speak to them.”

Undersecretary for Licensing and Adjudication Services Bernard Olalia separately confirmed the reported fatalities. He said the three seafarers were hit by a missile when the ship was first attacked.

“The exact number of unaccounted-for crew has not yet been validated. According to the principal’s report, before the ship sank around 1 p.m. [local time], many of the seafarers had jumped [overboard]. The rescuers couldn’t approach because the Houthis were still attacking.”

MV Eternity C had crossed the Red Sea twice on a single voyage — from Egypt to Berbera, Somalia, and then to Jeddah — but failed to submit reportorial requirements with the DMW, according to Cacdac.

“We are not happy with how things turned out. The licensed manning agency and the principal have been suspended as an initial regulatory measure,” Cacdac said.

DMW reiterated its call for vessels passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to divert their routes.