DMW: Search for missing Filipino seafarer harder after MV Tutor sinks

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday confirmed that MV Tutor, the bulk carrier which was attacked by Yemen-based Houthi rebels attack last week, has sunk, making the search for a missing Filipino crewman more difficult. 

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the Tutor was last sighted on June 17. It reportedly drifted and sank in the eastern coast of Eritrea along the Red Sea. 

“On June 18, when a ship returned on the scene supposedly to commence the search and also the salvaging operation with respect to the ship, she could not be found, the MV Tutor,” Cacdac said in a press briefing. 

“The vessel is lost and apparently sank. There is an oil slick as reported that was spotted at around the same projected location of the ship,” he added. 

It was the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) which reported Tuesday that Yemen's Houthi militants may have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea, which is the Greek-owned MV Tutor. The salvagers have confirmed the report.

Due to this, Cacdac said the DMW is still waiting for word regarding the prospects of a possible search based on what will happen in the next few days.

“It renders it more difficult given the circumstances. We are still waiting for the word on the situation,” he said.

Cacdac reiterated that they cannot confirm the death of the missing Filipino seafarer until evidence is found.

The official, however, assured that necessary assistance is and will continuously be provided to the family of the missing Filipino sailor.

According to the DMW chief, the seafarer has three children and two of them are still studying. It was also learned that the seafarer’s spouse passed away three years ago.

The other 21 Filipino seafarers who were rescued from Tutor arrived in Manila on Monday morning. They have received assistance from the government and have since rejoined their respective families.

Cacdac said authorities are conducting an investigation whether the concerned shipping company or the licensed manning agency committed any violations and will act accordingly based on their findings.

The DMW earlier directed licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals or employers to consider avoiding the passage through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and nearby territories.

Seafarers should also be given ample time, opportunity, and means to signify their intent to either continue with the voyage or refuse to join the ship in its scheduled passage in these areas, according to the DMW.—RF, GMA Integrated News