Since the Israel-Palestine conflict in October 2023, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked commercial vessels in the Red Sea in opposition to Israel’s assaults on the Gaza Strip. The Washington Post reported on the 11th that this has significantly impacted the large Filipino seafarer community.
The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers recently stated that on July 8, the cargo ship “Eternal C” was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels while traversing the Red Sea. Unmanned boats and missiles caused severe damage to the vessel, ultimately sinking it. Among the 25 people on board, 9 Filipino crew members and 1 Russian electrician were taken hostage, with only 10 rescued.
Hans Cacdac, Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, said the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority has required ships carrying Filipino crew to alter their routes and avoid high-risk areas such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Cacdac emphasized that over 50% of ships have complied with this directive, “but many vessels still risk crossing these dangerous waters for various reasons.” The “Eternal C” had traversed the Red Sea three times without submitting any applications or reports. The ship’s licensed crew agency has been suspended, and the Department of Migrant Workers is continuing its investigation into the case, planning to impose “more permanent penalties.”
The Philippines deploys over 500,000 seafarers worldwide, accounting for a quarter of the global maritime workforce. The Philippine government has warned shipowners and managers to stop recruiting its citizens for vessels transiting the Red Sea and urged Filipino seafarers to disregard promises of double pay for sailing through dangerous routes, exercising their right to refuse work in hazardous waters.
Loria, a seafarer from the cargo ship “Galaxy Leader” who was taken hostage and released in January this year before returning to the Philippines, told the media that seafarers have limited choices, and many must accept harsh contracts to sustain their livelihoods. “If they resist, companies won’t hire them again,” Loria said. “Seafarers earn much more than they would working domestically, and there are many people waiting to replace them.”
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