MANILA: Efforts are underway to rescue the crew of a Greek-owned vessel, the Tutor, which was damage in an attack by Yemeni Houthi group in the Red Sea. The Philippines said on Friday that the crew, mostly Filipino nationals, should be rescued within the day, although one sailor is missing.
The attack occurred near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Wednesday, causing severe flooding and damage to the engine room of the Tutor, a Liberia-flagged coal carrier. As a result, the vessel was left unable to maneuver and began taking in water.
Houthi group has claimed responsibility for the missile attack on the Tutor and other vessels, including the MV Verbena in the Gulf of Aden, over the past days. These attacks are part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign in the Red Sea region, which has disrupted global shipping and posed significant risks to maritime security.
According to Hans Cacdac, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers Secretary, the crew of the Tutor are mostly Filipino nationals. He stated in a press conference in Manila that rescue efforts are imminent but refrained from providing further details for security reasons.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirmed that Philippine authorities are coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to facilitate the safe evacuation of the crew to Djibouti and their subsequent repatriation.
While most of the crew members are reported to be safe and in possession of adequate food supplies, one crew member is still unaccounted for, believed to be trapped in the engine room. Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the missing sailor, with hopes of a positive outcome.
The vessel’s Athens-based manager, Evalend Shipping, has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
