The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, July 10, assured that it is “exerting all diplomatic efforts” for the Filipino seafarers onboard the M/V Eternity C that sank after it was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
PH exhausting 'all diplomatic efforts' for Filipino seafarers in Houthi-attacked ship
This image released by Ansar Allah Media Office in Yemen shows the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C is seen as it sinks in the Red Sea on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)
“The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to reassure the public that it is exerting all diplomatic efforts to comply with the long-standing presidential directive to safeguard the welfare of all Filipino seafarers plying the world's sea lanes,” the statement read.
“In the case of the latest attack in the Red Sea against the M/V Eternity C, the DFA is ascertaining the facts regarding the condition and whereabouts of our seatarers,” it added.
M/V Eternity C descended into the bottom of the Red Sea around 1 p.m. (PH Standard Time), several days after the July 7 siege.
The Liberia-flagged and Greek-operated cargo ship was sailing off 50 nautical miles southwest of the port of Hodeidah in Yemen when it was attacked by Houthi rebels.
The vessel was carrying 22 crew members, 21 of whom are Filipinos and one Russian.
Of the 21 Filipinos, five were rescued and are now “safe and sound,” Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.
The DFA said that it is pursuing a “One-Country Team Approach” involving not just the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), but all of its Foreign Service Posts in the region.
It promised to give regular updates to the public.