24-6-2024 (MANILA) In a development that has brought relief to the families and loved ones of Filipino seafarers, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the safety of all 27 Filipino crew members aboard the MV Transworld Navigator. The vessel, which came under attack by Houthi rebels for docking in an Israeli port, has now successfully navigated out of the High-Risk Zone and is headed towards the Suez Canal.
The DFA’s announcement came after receiving information from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), underscoring the close coordination between government agencies in ensuring the well-being of Filipino nationals working abroad.
The attack on the MV Transworld Navigator is the latest in a series of incidents involving Filipino seafarers in the region. Earlier this month, on June 12, the Greek-owned MV Tutor, carrying 22 Filipino seafarers, was targeted by Houthi rebels with double missiles. While 21 crew members were successfully rescued and have since returned safely to the Philippines, one seafarer remains unaccounted for, a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those working in volatile maritime regions.
