Eight Filipino seafarers who survived a Houthi missile attack on the Greek-managed cargo vessel M/V Eternity C have safely arrived at Jizan Port in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reported to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the survivors are now under the care of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), under the One-Country Team led by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.
The seafarers joined a virtual meeting between Secretary Cacdac and Labor Attaché Fidel Macauyag shortly after disembarking at the port. Macauyag said via video call that the group would be brought to a hospital for medical protocols.
"These brave seafarers have endured a traumatic ordeal at sea. We are working round-the-clock with their manning agency and the shipping company to ensure they receive the care and support they need,"said Secretary Cacdac.
"As directed by the President, their safety and recovery are our top priorities," he added.
The DMW, in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, is now facilitating the seafarers' repatriation. The agency said it is also providing them with essential services, including medical assessments, psychosocial counseling, and reissuance of travel documents.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to account for the 13 other Filipino crew members who were also aboard the M/V Eternity C during the attack. The DMW has conducted home visits to their families and assured them of continued assistance and updates.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino seafarers, especially those affected by conflict or crisis situations.
