2 Filipino sailors killed, 2 severely hurt in Houthi missile attack

2 Filipino sailors killed, 2 severely hurt in Houthi missile attack
Charie Abarca -March 07, 2024 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/227199/2-filipinos-killed-2-severely-h...(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

RED SEA TARGET An aerial view of the Barbados-flagged ship True Confidence ablaze following a Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea on March 6. The commercial vessel had 15 Filipinos among its crewmen. —REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinos have been killed while two were severely injured following a missile strike on a cargo vessel off Yemen, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday.

“With great sadness, the DMW confirms the deaths of two Filipino seafarers in the most recent attack by Houthi rebels on ships plying the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” DMW said in a statement.

“We are also informed that two other Filipino crewmen were severely injured in the attack on their ship. We pray for their immediate recovery,” it added.

DMW extended its condolences to the family of slain seafarers but for reasons of privacy, the agency chose to withhold the identity of the victims.

“The DMW is in touch with the ship’s manning agency and shipowner to ascertain the conditions of the rest of the ship’s crew, particularly the remaining Filipino crew members, as we have been informed that they have been taken to a safe port,” DMW said.

It likewise has coordinated with the shipowner and manning agency in line with its bid to repatriate the ship’s remaining Filipino crew members.

For the meantime, it repeated its call to shipowners with vessels navigating the Red Sea – Gulf of Adean sea lanes: “Comply strictly with the expanded ‘high risk areas’ designation and to implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.”

It also called for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, pursuant to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s orders, DMW said they are extending the “fullest support and assistance” to the families of the seafarers.

A missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against the commercial ship True Confidence on Wednesday killed three of its crew members and forced survivors to abandon the vessel, the U.S. military said.