Japan condoles with kin of 2 Filipino seafarers killed in Red Sea

RED SEA TARGET An aerial view of the Barbados-flagged ship True Confidence ablaze following a Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea on March 6, 2024. The commercial vessel had 15 Filipinos among its crewmen. The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines extended its condolences to the families of two Filipino seafarers killed in that missile attack. REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines extended its condolences to the families of two Filipino seafarers killed in a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden.

“Japan expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of two Filipino seafarers who lost their lives by a missile attack. We deeply respect their dedication in a foreign land,” it said in a Facebook post.

The embassy also vowed to work for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

“Japan will continue to cooperate with the Philippines toward the peaceful resolution of conflicts as well as lasting peace and stability all across the world,” it added.

READ: 2 Filipino sailors killed, 2 severely hurt in Houthi missile attack

On Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the death of the two Filipinos aboard the vessel True Confidence which was sailing in the waters of the Gulf of Aden.

The DMW added that three others were severely injured and were given medical attention in Djibouti.

READ: Remains of 2 Filipino seafarers still in cargo vessel — Cacdac

It also said that 10 other Filipino crew members aboard the ship were safe.

The March 6 attack on the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier True Confidence further escalated the conflict on a crucial maritime route linking Asia and the Middle East to Europe that has disrupted global shipping. The Houthis have launched attacks since November 2023, and the United States began an airstrike campaign in January that so far hasn’t halted their attacks.