The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers announced late Saturday the safe return of 11 Filipino crew members from the Magic Seas cargo ship, which was violently attacked by Houthi militants while sailing near the Yemeni coast.
Undersecretary Bernard Olalia stated during a press forum in Quezon City that the sailors arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11 PM, completing the repatriation of all 17 rescued crew members from the targeted vessel.
“These men endured a traumatic and tragic ordeal that demands immediate care,” Olalia said, adding that the Philippine government will extend psychological and social support, alongside financial assistance and medical evaluations.
The announcement comes as search operations continue for 13 missing sailors from the Eternity Seas vessel, which sank entirely following a similar Houthi attack in the Red Sea.
The Magic Seas incident marked one of the earliest ship assaults in a wave of escalating maritime strikes linked to the war in Gaza.
International observers have condemned the operations as "reckless and criminal," warning of serious threats to global maritime security.