Houthi attacks another ship, 27 Filipino crew safe

Yemen-based Houthi militants have struck another bulk cargo carrier in the Red Sea carrying Filipino crewmen.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Ian Cruz, all 27 Filipino seafarers aboard the MV Transworld Navigator are now on safer grounds.

"All Filipinos of 27 ligtas na po sila, the vessel was hit pero not enough to immobilize the ship so it managed to sail on. Right now it is on safer ground, I just can't say the exact location," Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac said.

The militants confirmed that the Transworld Navigator was one of the ships they attacked over the weekend using an uncrewed surface boat. 

One of the Filipino crew, Joel Almerol, recounted to his brother, Dominic, the horror of the Houthi's assault.

The first strike immediately caused a fire in a portion of the vessel, which was put under control. Glass windows of some cabins were shattered, forcing the crewmen to stay in the hallway.

"Thrice daw silang binomba. ...Natutulog na siya noon, nagising s'ya sa malakas na pagsabog.  Yung tatlong beses na 'yon talagang nung binalita n'ya, grabe na 'yung kaba ko," said Dominic, a television broadcaster.

"Wala na kaming tigil sa kakaiyak nung araw na yun lalo na nakita ko ang video nang umaapoy, parang umaapoy, parang sabi ko hindi ko kakayanin na mamatay yung kapatid ko sa ganyang sitwasyon," he added.

Dominic said his brother told them that the cargo ship had already passed the high-threat area in the Red Sea.  The ship sustained damage but continued to sail.

Meanwhile, the DMW said it is still awaiting updates on the missing Filipino engineer aboard the merchant ship MV Tutor which was also attacked by the Houthis. —LDF, GMA Integrated News