2 Filipino crew of tanker safe in foiled hijack attempt off Yemen 

Image from Google Maps / Gulf of Aden in Yemen

MANILA, Philippines — At least two Filipino seafarers were reported safe after the hijacking attempt of their vessel was foiled  in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Monday.

Citing a US Naval Institute report, the DMW stated that the two Filipino crew are now safe and accounted for after US Naval Forces prevented the hijacking attempt to chemical tanker M/V Central Park over the weekend.

“The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welcomes a report that at least 2 Filipino seafarers on board a hijacking incident in the Gulf of Aden are now safe and accounted for,” the agency said in a statement.

“The DMW had checked its records and coordinated with the licensed manning agency, and ascertained that there are at least two Filipino seafarers listed in the ship’s crew,” the DMW added.

The DMW also said it started reaching out to family and relatives of the crew’s Filipino seafarers.

This is the second hijacking incident involving marine vessels with Filipino seafarers in their crew.

Last Sunday, Houthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea, taking its 25 crew members hostage, including 17 Filipinos, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.