Filipinos onboard Houthi-hit ship off Yemen unharmed -DMW

All 23 Filipino crewmen onboard the vessel which was attacked by the Houthi rebel group on Saturday were all safe and unharmed, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Sunday. 

The DMW said the ship was slightly damaged in the attack but was proceeding in its journey. 

“Their vessel which sustained slight damage was sailing close to the Yemeni port city of Hodeida when it was attacked. The vessel is continuing on its journey to its next port of call,” the agency said. 

According to a Reuters report, the Houthis on Saturday launched a single anti-ship missile at the M/T Wind - a Panamanian-flagged and Greek-owned oil tanker. This resulted in flooding that knocked out the ship’s propulsion and steering.

The crew, however, were able to restore power and maintain course. 

British security firm Ambrey said the attack occurred about 10 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's Red Sea port city of Mokha.

Last March, two Filipino seafarers onboard the MV True Confidence were killed in a missile attack by the Houthi rebels  

The Houthis have launched a campaign of attacks on vessels in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes since November in solidarity with the Palestinians during Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza.

The DMW said it was closely coordinating with international maritime authorities, shipping companies, and local manning agencies on the status of ships with Filipino seafarers traversing high-risk areas and war-like zones in the Red Sea and the Gulf Of Aden.

The DMW had issued guidelines for licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to observe should Filipino seafarers be assigned on ships that would ply high-risk and conflict areas.

Under Department Order No. 1, the DMW directed LMAs and their accredited principals or employers to consider avoiding the passage through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and nearby territories.

They should also provide the mandated additional compensation and security measures for Filipino seafarers who have agreed to continue their journey in the mentioned locations.

These seafarers should also be given ample time, opportunity, and means to signify their intent to either continue with the voyage or refuse to join the ship in its scheduled passage in these areas. — DVM, GMA Integrated News