Nine Filipino seafarers held by Houthi forces since July are set to be released, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on 3 December.
The group will be transferred from Sana’a, Yemen, to Muscat, Oman, following sustained mediation by the Sultanate of Oman. Omani authorities notified Manila of the plan, which concludes months of diplomatic negotiations. Philippine officials expressed deep gratitude to Oman, noting that Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had repeatedly raised the case with her Omani counterpart.
The nine seafarers were part of the crew of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C, which sank in the Red Sea after a severe Houthi attack between 7 and 8 July. The vessel was hit by drones, gunfire, rockets and explosive-laden remote-controlled boats while en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Eternity C carried 25 people at the time of the attack – 22 crew members and a three-person security team. Ten were rescued by a salvage team, while at least four were confirmed dead. The Houthis later claimed they had “saved” several survivors and taken them to a secure location, leading to the prolonged captivity of the nine Filipinos.
The assault occurred amid a series of Houthi strikes on commercial vessels they allege are connected to Israel. The incident followed the sinking of another ship, the Magic Seas, whose crew was safely rescued.
