9 Survivors of Houthi-Attacked Ship Set to Be Released
MANILA — In a long-awaited breakthrough, nine Filipino seafarers held by Yemen’s Houthi group since their cargo ship was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea in July are finally set to be freed, Philippine authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The men were crew members of the Liberian-flagged M/V Eternity C, one of two commercial vessels sunk by the Houthis within days last summer. Following the attack, the group released a video claiming it had “rescued” crew members and taken them to a secure location, but provided no further details on their condition or status for months.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced the upcoming release, crediting diplomatic efforts led by the Omani government. According to the statement, the seafarers will first be transferred from the Houthi-held capital of Sanaa to Oman before finally returning home to the Philippines.
A foreign affairs spokesperson declined to give a specific timeline for the release or confirm whether any conditions were attached to the handover.
A Dangerous Watershed
The sinking of the Eternity C and another vessel, the Magic Seas, in July ended a months-long lull in Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Iran-aligned group has repeatedly targeted vessels it claims are linked to Israel, saying the operations are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
These assaults have severely disrupted one of the world’s most vital trade corridors, which normally handles about 12 percent of global maritime commerce. Many shipping companies have rerouted vessels around Africa to avoid the risk, increasing costs and transit times.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Tensions
The planned release offers a rare moment of relief for the global maritime community and the families of the detained crew, who have endured months of uncertainty. While the Houthis have occasionally released hostages following regional mediation—often involving Oman—many foreign seafarers and vessels remain vulnerable to escalating regional tensions.
As diplomatic channels continue to work behind the scenes, the safe return of these nine Filipinos represents not only a personal reunion for their families but also a small step toward de-escalation in one of the world’s most volatile waterways.
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