Twenty-three Filipino seafarers aboard the tanker MT Sounion are urgently calling for help after their vessel was attacked by Houthi rebels.
The attack reportedly involved a missile strike while the tanker was navigating the waters off Yemen at approximately 1:00 PM (Philippine Time) on August 21, 2024.
According to reports, the ship had a total of 29 crew members, 23 of whom are Filipinos from various parts of the country: two from Iloilo City; one from Cebu City; one from Talisay City, Cebu; one from Calatrava, Negros Occidental; two from Davao City; one from Kananga, Leyte; one from Parañaque City; one from Hilongos, Leyte; two from Manapla, Negros Occidental; one from Lucban, Quezon; one from San Juan, Batangas; one from San Carlos City, Pangasinan; one from Muntinlupa City; one from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; one from Jones, Isabela; one from Patnongon, Antique; one from Bugasong, Antique; one from Ubay, Bohol; and one from Samar.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the ship was hit by two missiles, believed to have been fired by Houthi rebels, while it was sailing in the Red Sea en route to Africa.
The explosion caused significant damage to the ship’s engine, owned by the Greek company Delta Tankers. The blast also ignited a fire on board.
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned rebel group, have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Yemeni government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
The group has been known for launching missile and drone attacks against military and civilian targets, including shipping vessels in the region.
The Houthis have previously targeted ships passing through the Red Sea, a strategic maritime route for global trade.
This latest attack marks the third missile strike by the Houthis on a vessel owned by this shipping company. The international community has condemned the group’s actions, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and posed a significant threat to maritime security in the region.