The Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged ship operated by a Greek company, was attacked off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. Officials said four Filipino seafarers were killed in the drone and speedboat attack. It was one of two attacks on the same day after months of relative calm in the region.
There are 22 crew members on the ship—21 Filipinos and one Russian. The armed groups reportedly used sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades in the attack. According to sources, the ship is now floating and on its side, while the rest of the crew are awaiting a rescue mission from maritime security firms.
Before this, a ship named MV Magic Seas, also Liberian-flagged and operated by a Greek operator, was also attacked. According to the Houthi group, it sank. All crew members of the Magic Seas were safe and arrived in Djibouti on Monday.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said the latest attack was a clear violation of international law and a threat to the safety of seafarers. The IMO official also said that innocent crew members and local communities are the main victims of such incidents.
Because of this, the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines called on Filipino seafarers to exercise their right to refuse to sail in high-risk and war-like zones like the Red Sea. According to experts, even if the attacks have temporarily stopped, the danger still remains until the tension in Gaza is resolved.
