Filipino sailor killed in Houthi attack on MV Tutor, White House says

When asked to confirm the death, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers still refers to the seafarer as “missing” and remains “hopeful.”

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino sailor was killed when Yemeni Houthi rebels attacked the bulk carrier MV Tutor in the southern Red Sea on June 12, the White House confirmed.

“A few days ago, the Houthis attacked the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned and operated bulk carrier Tutor, killing a Filipino crew member,” John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser in the United States, said in a press conference on Monday, June 17.

He pointed out that the ship “had just visited a port in Russia and was heading for Egypt” and had “nothing to do with the conflict in the Gaza Strip”.

“The Houthis killed an innocent crew member from the Philippines and seriously wounded a Sri Lankan sailor. They committed no crimes and were simply doing their jobs… They did not supply weapons to Israel and they did not take sides in the Middle East. They were simply manning their posts on board and trying to make money and keep world trade going,” Kirby said.

He added that such acts “can rightly be described as acts of terrorism against nations around the world” and that “the Houthis’ claim that they are supporting the people of Gaza is baseless.”

The 22-member, all-Filipino crew was on board the MV Tutor when it was suddenly rammed by an unmanned surface vessel (USV), which the captain believed to be a fishing boat.

The USV damaged the ship’s engine room and caused severe flooding. All but one crew member was able to remain in their quarters. The Filipino who was killed was previously reported missing.

The 21 were rescued and repatriated from Bahrain and arrived in Manila on Monday, June 17.

When asked to confirm the death, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) continued to describe the seafarer as “missing.”

The DMW said the Philippine Embassy in Athens met with the Director of Navigation of the MV Tutor, who informed Philippine Ambassador Giovanni Palec that the search operation for the missing seafarer would begin once the vessel was brought to a safe port.

“In the meantime, we continue to offer hope and are in contact with the seafarer’s family,” the DMW said on Tuesday, June 18.

If the DMW confirms the death, the sailor on board the MV Tutor would be the third death reported in the Philippines from Houthi attacks in the region. The southern Red Sea is on the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) list of high-risk and war zones.

The first two victims were on the MV True Confidence, which the Houthis attacked in the Gulf of Aden in March.

Filipino seafarers who are notified that they will be transiting areas included on the IBF list have the right to refuse passage, and if they agree to work, they are entitled to double compensation, among other benefits.

Since April, the DMW has banned Filipinos from working on cruise and passenger ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. However, commercial vessels such as the MV Tutor still have the opportunity to continue working.

Migrant Workers Minister Hans Cacdac had previously stated that the MV tutor incident had prompted the department to review its policies.

The Houthis have claimed they acted in solidarity with Palestine, which continues to be attacked by Israel. About 17 Filipino sailors aboard the ship Galaxy Leader have been held hostage by the Houthis since November 2023. The Houthis have said they will only release them if the war in Gaza ends. – Rappler.com