DMW suspends licenses after MV Eternity C attack

The Department of Migrant Workers has suspended the licenses of a manning agency and its principal following the sinking of MV Eternity C off Yemen's coast after an attack by Houthi militants.

At least five Filipino seafarers have been rescued, while 17 remain unaccounted for out of 21 Filipinos on board; one more seafarer was found in the waters, bringing the total to six rescued individuals.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that protocols were violated when the ship passed through high-risk zones without proper risk assessments and security measures, leading to an investigation.

The manning agency failed to comply with strict reportorial processes and risk assessment requirements before sailing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, crossing these areas twice.

DMW is considering filing administrative, civil, and criminal charges against the shipowner and manning agency while prioritizing the rescue operations for Filipino seafarers.

Reports suggest at least three fatalities on board MV Eternity C, with conflicting statements about whether Houthi militants have abducted some crew members; DMW continues to investigate these claims.