A Filipino seafarer injured by Houthi rebels has died, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported yesterday.
Houthi militants fired missiles at the ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden on Sept. 29.
Twelve Filipinos were among the ship’s crew. Ten of them have returned to the Philippines.
‘We convey the sad news of the passing of the seafarer who was injured in the attack on Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden,’ Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac posted on social media.
Rescuers drove a helicopter to save 19 of the ship’s crew, who are Russians, Ukrainians, Filipinos and Sri Lankans.
Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Iran-aligned group has been assaulting vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, targeting ships they deem linked to Israel, in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the DMW is seeking the immediate repatriation of the sailor’s remains.
Cacdac assured the seaman’s family of full support.
He is flying to Djibouti to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Amsterdam-based shipowner Spliethoff for the transport of the Filipino worker’s remains.
The victim’s wife and sister will accompany Cacdac.
While in the East African country, Cacdac said he would also visit the other injured Filipino sailors recovering in a hospital.