21 Filipino Crew Members Rescued, 1 Still Missing After Houthi Attack on Commercial Vessel

21 Filipino crew members of a commercial vessel attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have been rescued, while one remains missing. The crew was extracted by a US Navy ship and brought to Bahrain, with the Philippine government launching a search operation to locate the missing individual.

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Nitish Verma
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21 Filipino Crew Members Rescued, 1 Still Missing After Houthi Attack on Commercial Vessel

In a dramatic rescue operation, 21 out of 22 Filipino crew members of a commercial vessel, MV Tutor, have been safely evacuated after it was attacked by Houthi rebels in the southern Red Sea on June 12. The attack, which caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room, left the Liberia-flagged coal carrier unable to maneuver.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the rescued crew members were extracted by a U.S. Navy ship and brought to the Port of Manama in Bahrain. The DMW has assured that the rescued crew will receive full support and assistance.

However, the whereabouts of one crew member remain unknown. The DMW has launched a search operation to locate the missing individual, who was last seen in the engine room of the ship before the attack.

The Houthi rebels have been launching attacks on international vessels traveling the Red Sea region since last year, in support of the Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. This incident highlights the risks faced by Filipino seafarers in the region.

Why it Matters : The rescue of the Filipino crew members is a significant development, given the risks and challenges involved in such operations. The incident also underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect commercial vessels and their crew in the region.

The Philippine government has been working to ensure the safety of its citizens, including seafarers, in the face of growing security threats. The successful rescue operation is a testament to the government's efforts to protect its citizens abroad.

Key Takeaway : 

  • 21 out of 22 Filipino crew members of MV Tutor rescued after Houthi rebel attack in the southern Red Sea.
  • U.S. Navy ship extracted the crew and brought them to Port of Manama, Bahrain.
  • One crew member still missing; search operation underway.
  • Incident underscores risks for Filipino seafarers in the region.
  • Philippine government prioritizing safety of its citizens, especially seafarers, amid rising security challenges.