Government officials in Oman and the Philippines confirmed the release of seafarers rescued from the sinking vessel Eternity C, which came under attack by Houthi militants in July. A salvage team dispatched by the ship’s operator managed to rescue some of the crew, while the Houthis reported retrieving others and taking them to Yemen.
Oman’s official statement described the release as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts, confirming that the operation took place in Sana’a, Yemen, on December 3. The rescued crew members were transported aboard a Royal Air Force of Oman aircraft and arrived in Muscat later that day, where they were welcomed by Omani officials and representatives from the Philippines and India. The Philippine government had anticipated their release and had collaborated closely with Oman to facilitate this outcome.
There had been some confusion regarding the total number of individuals in Houthi custody. The Philippine government acknowledged the presence of nine of its citizens, while the Houthis claimed ten had been released. The Omanis stated that eleven individuals were involved, including citizens from the Philippines, India, and one Russian. This discrepancy in numbers is attributed to the inclusion of a security guard who was on board the ship.
On December 4, the Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the safe arrival of its nine citizens back in Manila. Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to Oman for their assistance and reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to its citizens abroad. Hans Leo Cacdac, the Secretary of Migrant Workers, also underscored the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Oman.
According to Agence France-Presse, the release of the crew was part of a larger negotiation orchestrated by Oman. Reports indicated that 35 Yemenis stranded on board had also been returned home on the same flight back to Sana’a.
The Eternity C was among two vessels attacked when the Houthis resumed what they termed a “maritime blockade.” The group claimed that their targets were vessels associated with companies allegedly trading with Israel. Following a recent peace agreement aimed at halting the Gaza War, the Houthis announced an end to their maritime attacks.
In summary, the release of the seafarers from Eternity C highlights the complexities of international negotiations in conflict zones, the humanitarian efforts made by countries like Oman, and the ongoing tensions affecting maritime trade routes in the region.
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