2 Ilonggo seafarers survive Houthi attack in Red Sea

Two Ilonggo seafarers were among the crew members aboard a crude oil tanker that was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

In a statement, Iloilo City Representative Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda vowed to extend support and whatever assistance her office may provide to the Ilonggo seafarers and their families.

The Greek-flagged MT Sounion, which was hit off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Aug. 21 (Philippine time), had a total of 23 Filipino crew members on board.

All of them, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), were rescued by the French Navy  from the vessel on Aug. 22.

“There were three missile attacks and the attacks caused damage to the engine, and the ship has taken in some water, but it’s not water that is enough to sink the ship,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press briefing.

The vessel, owned by shipping company Delta Tankers, was left adrift in the Red Sea.IMT