13 Pinoy seafarers safe after Houthi missile attack off Yemen —DMW

The 13 Filipino crew members of a bulk carrier that was damaged by Houthi-launched missiles off Yemen are safe, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday, citing the shipping company's local mining agency.

The ship was attacked while traversing the Yemeni coast near Hodeidah on Tuesday afternoon (Manila time). 

Aside from the Filipinos, a Ukranian seaman onboard the vessel was also unharmed in the attack.

A Reuters report, citing British security firm Ambrey, said a merchant vessel off the Yemeni coast took on water and tilted to one side after being targeted with missiles.

At present, the vessel is continuing its voyage to its next port of call, the DMW said. 

The DMW said it is communicating with the shipping and manning agencies as it monitors the safety and condition of our Filipino seafarers. The DMW is also contacting the crew members' families to provide any assistance they may need. 

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea region since November, later expanding to the Indian Ocean, in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians. —KBK, GMA Integrated News