MANILA – In a dramatic rescue operation, the French Navy has successfully extracted 23 Filipino seafarers from the Greek-flagged crude oil tanker MT Sounion, which was left adrift after being struck by missiles launched by Houthi rebels off the Yemeni coast.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the rescue, stating that all crew members are now en route to a safe port. This information was relayed by Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Anne Jalando-on Louis, and further confirmed by Philippine Defense Attaché to Bahrain, Capt. Gacusan, along with Capt. Romeo Marana, the Defense Attaché to Abu Dhabi.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac detailed the incident, which occurred on August 21, Philippine time. He reported that the tanker was targeted in three separate missile attacks, which damaged its engine and caused some water ingress. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the crew.
The French Navy conducted the rescue at approximately 2:10 p.m. on August 22, providing much-needed relief to the stranded sailors.
Cacdac noted that the crew had given their consent to continue sailing despite the risks. However, he emphasized that under DMW regulations, any ship attacked in high-risk areas like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will be prohibited from employing Filipino seafarers in future voyages. The principal of the MT Sounion will be added to this blacklist, which already includes eight other ship owners.
Heightened Warnings for Seafarers
In light of the escalating conflict in the region, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a warning on Friday, urging Filipino seafarers to avoid deployment in the Red Sea. The DFA highlighted the increasing dangers posed to shipping in the area, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023.
“The situation has worsened due to conflict escalation, presenting a clear and present danger to Filipino seafarers,” the advisory stated. It encouraged maritime workers to exercise their right to refuse sailing in the region and to avoid it unless absolutely necessary for their livelihood.
The Red Sea, a critical international trade route, has become a hotspot for attacks, particularly by Houthi rebels targeting vessels linked to Israel. Notably, in November, the rebels seized the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader, holding its crew hostage for nine months.
As tensions rise, the safety of seafarers remains a pressing concern, with the Philippine government taking steps to protect its nationals in these perilous waters.
