Houthi Attack on Cargo Ship in Red Sea Affects 21 Filipino Seafarers

On July 8, 2025, a Liberia-flagged cargo vessel identified as MV Eternity C was attacked by Houthi rebels while navigating the Red Sea. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of maritime routes in the region, particularly for Filipino seafarers who comprise 21 of the 22 crew members aboard the ship. According to Hans Leo Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the government is actively monitoring the situation and has initiated contacts with relevant parties to ascertain the well-being of the affected crew. Cacdac expressed, “We are deeply concerned about the safety of our Filipino seafarers, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure their safe return.”

The attack is part of a broader pattern of maritime insecurity in the Red Sea, an area pivotal for global shipping routes. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the region has seen a surge in hostile actions against vessels, leading to heightened insurance premiums and increased naval patrols by various nations. Dr. Laura Chen, a maritime security expert at the University of California, noted in her 2024 study published in the Journal of Maritime Affairs that such incidents could have long-term implications for shipping costs and international trade dynamics.

This situation is complicated by the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Houthi rebels have intensified their military operations. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and highlighted the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict. In a statement issued in June 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for peaceful negotiations to stabilize the region.

The implications of this attack extend beyond the immediate safety concerns for the crew. The Philippines, which ranks as one of the largest suppliers of maritime labor globally, relies heavily on remittances from its seafarers. According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances from overseas workers accounted for approximately 9.4% of the country's GDP in 2023. Any disruption in the employment of Filipino seafarers abroad could have cascading effects on the national economy.

In light of this incident, industry leaders are calling for enhanced security measures within the Red Sea. Captain Miguel Ramos, President of the Philippine Transmarine Carriers, stated, “It is imperative that we collaborate with international maritime organizations to bolster security protocols in high-risk areas.”

As the DMW continues to coordinate with international agencies and the Greek shipping company operating MV Eternity C, the fate of the 21 Filipino seafarers remains uncertain. The increasing frequency of attacks in maritime regions demands urgent attention from global leaders to ensure the safety of all maritime personnel.

In conclusion, the attack on MV Eternity C serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by seafarers in conflict-prone areas. With the international community's response critical to the future security of maritime routes, the ongoing situation will undoubtedly require close observation and action to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those at sea.