The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on July 9 (local time) that 5 of the 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the cargo ship 'Eternity C,' which reportedly sank in the Red Sea after being attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels, have been rescued. At least two fatalities have been reported, but their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
The Liberian-flagged Eternity C sank after being hit by a drone and rocket-propelled grenades fired by Houthi rebels. The vessel had a total of 22 crew members on board, including 21 Filipinos and 1 Russian. "The ship has already sunk, and rescue operations for the remaining crew are underway," said Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega. He added, "We have received reports of two fatalities, but it has not been confirmed up to four. We assume they are likely Filipinos."
This attack once again highlights the ongoing threat posed by Houthi rebels to merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea. Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians. This has put shipping in the Red Sea, a major passageway for global maritime trade, at risk, leading many shipping companies to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing logistics costs and time. This significantly impacts global supply chains and also contributes to upward pressure on international oil prices.
Hours before the Eternity C attack, Houthi rebels claimed to have sunk another Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the 'MV Magic Seas.' That vessel had 22 crew members, including 17 Filipinos. Undersecretary de Vega stated that all Filipino seafarers from the MV Magic Seas were rescued and are currently en route to Jeddah.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it had closely cooperated with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and relevant international organizations to support the response operation for the MV Magic Seas. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, "The prompt action reflects the UAE's steadfast commitment to the safety and security of international maritime navigation and humanitarian solidarity with all nations in addressing the growing challenges in strategic waterways."
Hans Leo Cacdac, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), refused to confirm the number of fatalities during a virtual briefing on the evening of July 9, emphasizing the need to speak with the rescued seafarers first. He stated, "The shipowner confirmed the sinking of the Eternity C, and at the same time, five crew members were rescued. They were afloat in the water and were found and rescued by the rescue team. The rest are still being searched for."
Secretary Cacdac added, "We are still gathering details on exactly how the accident happened, and the best way is to talk to the five who were rescued." He noted that while there were initial reports of fatalities, this information has not yet been confirmed. This is because the rescued survivors can provide crucial details about how the ship sank and how they ended up in the water.
Secretary Cacdac stated that the five rescued seafarers are currently safe, but their location is not being disclosed for security reasons. He emphasized that the DMW is in contact with the families of the Filipino seafarers from the Eternity C and is maintaining close cooperation with the shipowner, maritime security companies, and local Philippine defense attachés.
"We are communicating with the families, and we have told them, as per the President's directive, that we will not let go until the necessary assistance is fully provided," Secretary Cacdac pledged. The Philippine government made it clear that it will spare no effort in providing full support for this incident, prioritizing the safety and protection of its citizens. As Houthi military provocations continue, the unstable situation in the Red Sea will likely require ongoing attention and cooperation from the international community.
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