MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers is working to confirm whether a Filipino seafarer was among crew members injured after a suspected Houthi attack on the Dutch-flagged cargo vessel Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden.
Several crew members were hurt and evacuated following the attack, and a Filipino sailor may be among them, the DMW said in a statement Tuesday, September 30.
The agency is coordinating with the ship operator, employer, manning agencies, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Philippine consulates, to verify whether Filipinos were aboard the affected vessel.
If confirmed, the DMW says it will provide medical assistance and repatriation, if needed. It will also provide counseling and psychological support, and legal aid for the seafarer and family.
“Para sa ating mga tripulante at kanilang pamilya: hindi po kayo nag-iisa (To our sailors and their families: you are not alone),” the DMW statement said. “Kasama ninyo ang pamahalaan, kasama ninyo ang DMW (The government and DMW is with you.)
The DMW said it is strengthening protection for seafarers in high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden
The department will release updates once details are confirmed.
Dangerous route. The Gulf of Aden connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and sits between Yemen and Somalia, regions that have seen armed conflict and piracy for years.
Houthi rebels in Yemen have been launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and on ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for its assault on Gaza, saying these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians.
Filipinos make up over a quarter of seafarers globally. In 2024, at least half a million Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas.
