The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed that 23 Filipino seafarers were on board the Greek-flagged oil tanker MT Sounion, which was hit by a Houthi missile attack. The vessel sustained damage to its engine and is currently adrift, unable to continue its voyage.
Despite the situation, all Filipino crew members are reported to be safe and are awaiting rescue, which is expected to occur within the day. This incident marks the ninth time that Filipino seafarers have been directly affected by Houthi attacks at sea.
In response to the attack, the DMW announced that it would prohibit Filipino seafarers from boarding ships that follow the same route as the MT Sounion in the future.
