Seventeen Filipino seafarers from MV Magic Seas are finally back home after surviving a terrifying attack in the Red Sea. Their safe return brought relief to their families, but it also highlighted the serious dangers Filipino seafarers face on the job.
A Dangerous Week on the Water
On July 6, the MV Magic Seas was passing off Yemen when it was attacked by Houthi fighters. The ship was hit with drones, rockets, and gunfire. The 17 Filipino crew members had no choice but to abandon ship and were rescued by another vessel. They spent some time in Djibouti before flying back to Manila on July 12, where they were welcomed with tears and hugs.
While they were heading home, another disaster struck. On July 7 and 8, the MV Eternity C was attacked. It carried 21 Filipino crew members along with two guards. This attack was more severe. Three Filipino seafarers and one Russian crew member died. Eight Filipino seafarers and two guards were saved, but they are still in a secure port abroad, waiting to come home. Their repatriation is being worked out by Philippine officials and the shipowner. Meanwhile, six crew members were taken by the Houthis, and some are still missing. The families of those left behind are now facing sleepless nights and endless worry.
Who Are the Houthis?
The Houthis are a Shia rebel group from northern Yemen, backed by Iran. They took over the capital city Sana’a in 2014 and have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition ever since. Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023 , they started attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, saying they want to hit targets linked to Israel or Western countries.
Filipino seafarers have already been caught in the middle of this conflict before. In 2024, the MV Tutor was attacked and one Filipino died. Another ship, the Galaxy Leader, was hijacked in 2023, and 17 Filipino crew members were held hostage for over a year before finally being released in early 2025.
Risks Grow for Filipino Seafarers
Many Filipinos work on international ships to support their families. While the pay is often good, the risks are high. The Red Sea is one of the busiest trade routes in the world, handling around 12% of global trade. Because of these attacks, many ships now choose longer routes to avoid the area, and insurance rates for passing through the Red Sea have skyrocketed.
The return of the Magic Seas crew is something to be thankful for, but the pain caused by the Eternity C attack still hangs heavy. The rescued Filipino seafarers are still far from home, and the families of the missing are holding on to hope.
