Manila, Philippines — The remains of the Filipino seafarer who lost his life during the Houthi attack on the bulk carrier Eternity C have been repatriated to Manila, where government officials, maritime authorities, and grieving family members gathered to receive him with full honors.
The seafarer, whose identity has been withheld at the family’s request, was among the crew on board the Liberia-flagged vessel when it came under assault while transiting near the Red Sea corridor — a region that has witnessed repeated attacks on commercial shipping since the escalation of tensions in the area.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the repatriation was coordinated in partnership with the manning agency and the ship’s operator. Social welfare officers and crisis-response teams were deployed to provide psychological and financial support to the bereaved family.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac condemned the attack as “an unacceptable act of violence against innocent civilian seafarers,” reaffirming the Philippine government’s call for strengthened maritime security and safer passage routes for international shipping.
The Eternity C had been en route to a commercial port when the incident occurred, forcing the crew to initiate emergency procedures and request multinational naval assistance. Survivors of the attack were later transported to a safe port for medical evaluation and debriefing.
Filipino seafarers make up nearly a quarter of the world’s maritime workforce, and the government reiterated that it remains committed to safeguarding their welfare amid rising risks in global conflict zones.
A private funeral is expected to be held in the coming days.
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