27 Filipino Seafarers from Houthi-Attacked ‘Navigator’ to Return Home

MANILA — The repatriation of 27 Filipino crew members from the M/V Transworld Navigator, recently attacked by Houthi rebels, is currently underway, as confirmed by Arnell Ignacio, chief of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to Philippines News Agency, the swift action for the crew’s return was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the coordination of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, and OWWA. The crew was aboard the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned M/V Transworld Navigator when it was targeted by an unmanned surface vessel in the Red Sea. DMW Secretary Has Leo Cacdac noted that this incident marks the fourth such attack involving Filipino crew in the regions of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, following previous incidents with M/V Galaxy Leader, M/V True Confidence, and M/V Tutor. Yemen’s Houthi rebels also claimed responsibility for an attack on another vessel, the Stolt Sequoia, using cruise missiles in the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, all 31 crew members, including the 27 Filipinos, were reported safe. OWWA has been in continuous contact with their families to provide updates and support during this period.