Survivor Recounts Houthi Attack on Bulk Carrier True Confidence
One of the Filipino sailors who survived the Houthi attack on the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier True Confidence on March 6 has shared his harrowing experience. Second Officer Mark Anthony Dagohoy, one of the survivors, described the missile strike as sudden and unexpected, leaving the ship ablaze. The attack took place while the vessel was traversing the Gulf of Aden, a designated high-risk area.
High-Risk Areas and Seafarers’ Rights
In December 2023, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) designated the southern section of the Red Sea as a high-risk area. According to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), seafarers have the right to refuse sailing through such designated areas. However, Dagohoy explained that despite being aware of the risks, they chose to sail through the Gulf of Aden for the sake of their families. He emphasized that the route they took was the only option available to them.
The Targeting of Ships and the Tragic Consequences
The Houthi rebels have been targeting ships they believe are owned by Israelis due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Unfortunately, the March 6 attack resulted in the loss of three crewmen, two of whom were Filipinos. Dagohoy expressed deep sadness over the loss, highlighting the importance of harmony on a cargo ship and how the crew’s camaraderie made their tasks easier to accomplish.
Repatriation and Assistance for Survivors and Families
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that there were 15 Filipino seafarers aboard the True Confidence. Out of the 11 survivors, Dagohoy was among those who arrived home on Tuesday. The remaining two survivors will be repatriated soon via a special air ambulance.
The DFA has provided initial financial assistance of $1,000 to the 11 survivors, including the two still in the hospital in Djibouti City. The government, through various agencies, will offer a comprehensive assistance package to the repatriated seafarers. This package includes on-site medical and physical check-ups from the Department of Health (DOH), financial and reintegration support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), as well as livelihood aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The DMW, OWWA, and DSWD will provide a total of P120,000 to the repatriates, excluding the assistance that their manning agency will provide. Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian of the DSWD has directed the agency’s operations cluster to support the families of the two fatalities and the survivors of the missile assault. The DSWD has already provided P10,000 in monetary assistance to the mother of one of the deceased sailors, and the bereaved family of the other fatality will also receive assistance.
In this difficult time, the DSWD assures the bereaved families and survivors that they will continue to receive support. The initial assistance provided is just the beginning of the aid they will receive as they navigate the challenges caused by this tragic incident.
The story of the Houthi attack on the True Confidence serves as a reminder of the risks faced by seafarers in high-risk areas. It also highlights the resilience and bravery of those who choose to sail despite the dangers, driven by their commitment to provide for their families. The international community must continue to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
Source: The Manila Times
