23 Filipino seafarers rescued from missile-hit tanker – DMW

MANILA, Philippines — All 23 Filipino crew members of MT Sounion, the Greek-owned oil tanker left adrift after being hit by missiles, were rescued by the French Navy, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Thursday night.

“The Department of Migrant Workers confirms that all 23 Filipino crew members of MT Sounion have been successfully rescued from the ship and are now on their way to a safe port,” the agency’s statement reads.

According to the DMW, MT Sounion was hit by missiles from Houthi rebels off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah in the afternoon of Aug. 21. The ship was then left adrift in the Red Sea.

The crew members were rescued by the French Navy at 2:10 p.m. (Philippine time) on Aug. 22.

The DMW assured the public that the agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration would assist in the immediate repatriation of the Filipino seafarers.

Upon their arrival in the Philippines, the Filipino crew members will undergo psycho-social and financial training and will receive reintegration support.

READ: DFA condemns attack on Red Sea vessel with PH seafarers