10 Filipino seamen in Yemen ship attack home

TEN FILIPINO crew members of a vessel struck by Houthi rebels off Yemen in September have safely returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Sunday.

The seamen, part of the crew of the Netherlands-flagged MV Minervagracht, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Oct. 4 aboard Air France Flight 224, according to the agency.

“Their safe return home was made possible through the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices and the licensed manning agency with their local agent in Istanbul,” the DMW said in a statement.

The Minervagracht was carrying 19 seafarers — 12 of them Filipinos — when it was attacked with missiles by Houthi rebels while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Sept. 29. The remaining crew members were from Russia, Ukraine and Sri Lanka. All were rescued.

At least two Filipinos sustained injuries, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said earlier. He added that the agency would help the victims secure new employment opportunities and provide support for livelihood and training.

“The government through DMW is also offering health services, including physical and mental health support and psychosocial counseling to supplement the assistance provided by your licensed manning agency,” Mr. Cacdac said.

The crew will also be given accommodations by their manning agency, training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and financial aid from the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The incident underscores the heightened risks faced by Filipino seafarers, who make up a significant share of the global maritime workforce. — Adrian H. Halili