(UPDATE) The government has confirmed the tragic death of two Filipino seafarers in a missile attack carried out by Houthi rebels on their ship, the True Confidence, in the Red Sea. The attack occurred approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen’s port of Aden, setting the Liberian-owned, Barbados-flagged ship ablaze.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the slain seafarers. Out of respect for their privacy, their names and identities are being withheld. Additionally, two other Filipino crew members were severely injured in the attack.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the DMW to provide full support and assistance to the families of the seafarers. The DMW is in contact with the ship’s manning agency and shipowner to gather information about the condition of the remaining crew, particularly the Filipino members.
Efforts are underway to repatriate the remaining Filipino crew members, and the DMW has urged shipowners navigating the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden sea lanes to strictly comply with the expanded “high-risk areas” designation. Implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures, such as rerouting vessels and deploying armed security personnel, is crucial to ensure the safety of seafarers in these volatile waters.
The DMW has also called for continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the root causes of the conflict in the Middle East. It is essential to find a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and disruption to global trade.
While the Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea for months, this attack marks the first time fatalities have resulted from such an incident. The US Central Command (Centcom) reported that the crew abandoned the ship, and coalition warships are assessing the situation. Centcom also highlighted that this was the fifth anti-ship ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in just two days.
These reckless attacks by the Houthis have not only disrupted global trade but also claimed the lives of international seafarers. In response to the ongoing threat, Centcom conducted strikes against two unmanned aerial vehicles in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen that posed an imminent danger to merchant vessels and US Navy ships. These actions are aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and enhancing the security of international waters for all.
The United States and Britain have been conducting strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since January as a response to the attacks on ships. However, the rebels have persisted in targeting merchant vessels. The British embassy in Sanaa confirmed that at least two people lost their lives on board the True Confidence, emphasizing that these deaths were a tragic consequence of the Houthis’ reckless missile firings at international shipping.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron reaffirmed the commitment to stand up for freedom of navigation and backed the words with actions. The Houthis’ campaign of attacking ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, has caused significant disruption and poses a threat to vessels from various nations.
In conclusion, the death of the Filipino seafarers in the Houthi missile attack is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers navigating through the Red Sea. It is imperative for shipowners to adhere to the designated high-risk areas and implement appropriate security measures to protect the lives of crew members. International cooperation and diplomatic efforts are crucial to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, ensuring the safety of seafarers and uninterrupted global trade.
Source: The Manila Times
