Philippines: Rescue underway for crew of Greek-owned vessel hit by Houthis; one sailor still missing

MANILA/ATHENS — The Philippines says the crew of a Greek-owned vessel that was damaged in an attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea should be rescued within the day although one sailor is still missing.

The attack near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Wednesday caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room and left the Tutor, a Liberia-flagged coal carrier, unable to maneuver. It was taking in water and was in need of rescue.

The Iran-aligned Houthis have taken responsibility for the boat and missile attack on the Tutor. The Houthis have made repeated drone and missile strikes on ships in the shipping channels of the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden since November, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

The 22 crew members on board are mostly Filipino, Hans Cacdac, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers Secretary, tells a press conference in Manila.

“Rescue is forthcoming within the day,” he says, adding that he can not disclose further information for security reasons.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. says the country’s authorities are coordinating with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to take the crew members to Djibouti and bring them back home.

PANOORIN: Pahayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kaugnay sa lagay ng mga Filipino seafarer na nakasakay sa barkong MV Tutor.

Matatandang inatake ng Houthi rebels ang naturang barko nitong Miyerkoles, Hunyo 12. (1/2) | via Kenneth Paciente pic.twitter.com/rsOKsLGJFx

— PTVph (@PTVph) June 14, 2024

The Houthi campaign in the Red Sea region has disrupted global shipping, cascading delays and costs through supply chains. The US-designated terror organization has sunk one ship, seized another vessel and killed three seafarers in separate attacks.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.