MANILA, Philippines — Five Filipino crew members of the Greek-operated MV Eternity C, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, have been rescued and are now safe, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Wednesday.

“Mayroong limang (Pilipino) tripolante and nasagip. ‘Yung iba, the 17 are still being searched, and among the 17 would be the reported casualties that we still have to confirm. There’s an ongoing search operation, and we are still hoping that they are alive,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

The DMW said the five rescued seafarers are safe and did not suffer major injuries. Rescue efforts for the remaining 17 crew members—most of whom are Filipinos—are being carried out by two maritime security firms arranged by the shipowner.

The department has yet to verify reports of casualties that have circulated in international media.

“Marami ng ulat sa media about ‘dun sa mga nasawi. We are still getting details on what exactly happened and we still have to confirm. And the best source at this stage will be the seafarers themselves,” Cacdac said.

The DMW has reached out to the families of the affected crew and assured them of continued assistance.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave us clear directive to take care of the families. We are hand holding them through this difficult process. Sinabi namin sa kanila na hindi kami bibitaw until makapag bigay ng ganap na tulong. AKSYON Fund will be there and other forms of support both from the DMW and OWWA,” Cacdac added.

The department is closely coordinating with the shipowner and the licensed manning agency (LMA) to monitor developments and ensure support for the affected seafarers and their families.

The MV Eternity C, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier managed by a Greek company, was carrying 22 crew members—21 of whom are Filipinos—when it was attacked off the coast of Yemen on Monday. ###