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

This image obtained from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 6, 2024, shows the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier after it was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The United States, on March 6, vowed to hold Yemen’s Huthi rebels accountable for a strike on a bulk carrier that killed two people, apparently the first fatalities in the insurgents’ attacks on shipping. (Photo by Handout / US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinos have been killed while two were severely injured following a missile strike on a cargo vessel off Yemen, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday.

“With great sadness, the DMW confirms the deaths of two Filipino seafarers in the most recent attack by Houthi rebels on ships plying the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” DMW said in a statement.

“We are also informed that two other Filipino crewmen were severely injured in the attack on their ship. We pray for their immediate recovery,” it added.

READ: Houthi kills 3 crew members in Yemen rebels’ first fatal assault on shipping

DMW extended its condolences to the family of slain seafarers but for reasons of privacy, the agency chose to withhold the identity of the victims.

“The DMW is in touch with the ship’s manning agency and shipowner to ascertain the conditions of the rest of the ship’s crew, particularly the remaining Filipino crew members, as we have been informed that they have been taken to a safe port,” DMW said.

It likewise has coordinated with the shipowner and manning agency in line with its bid to repatriate the ship’s remaining Filipino crew members.

READ: Yemen’s Houthis warn they will target all ships headed to Israel

For the meantime, it repeated its call to shipowners with vessels navigating the Red Sea – Gulf of Adean sea lanes: “Comply strictly with the expanded ‘high risk areas’ designation and to implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.”

It also called for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, pursuant to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s orders, DMW said they are extending the “fullest support and assistance” to the families of the seafarers.

A missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against the commercial ship True Confidence on Wednesday killed three of its crew members and forced survivors to abandon the vessel, the U.S. military said.

First posted 12:00 nn