DMW: 10 Pinoy seafarers in Houthi attack safe

The 10 Filipino crew members aboard the shipping vessel struck by a missile launched by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden are all safe, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

"We welcome the report that our seafarers are safe and secure, away from the dangers they faced (earlier)," said DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac in a statement.

"I had a video call with all 10 Filipino crew members in a Djibouti hotel and attest to their safety," he added.

The DMW received confirmation from the ship's manning agency that the Filipino crew are currently staying at a hotel in Djibouti City, capital of Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa.

At the same time, the agency clarified that three Filipino crewmen-not two as earlier reported - were injured in the missile attack. They are now being given medical attention at a hospital in Djibouti City and are said to be in stable condition.

DMW senior officials also met directly with the families and kin of the two Filipino seafarers who died in the attack.

"We have expressed our deepest sympathies to the families and will provide all the assistance and support needed by the families of our fallen seafarers, as directed by the President," Cacdac said.