Greek-owned coal carrier attacked by Yemeni Houthi militants in Red Sea, search for missing sailor continues

NEW DELHI: The crew of the Greek-owned coal carrier, Tutor, was evacuated after an attack by Yemeni Houthi militants caused significant damage to the vessel, leaving it adrift in the Red Sea, according to reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Philippine migrant workers minister.
Hans Leo Cacdac, the Philippines' migrant workers minister, said on Saturday that efforts are underway to locate one missing sailor and initiate salvage operations for the Liberia-flagged ship.The vessel's 22 crew members, all Filipinos, were safely evacuated following the attack near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, which resulted in severe flooding and engine room damage, rendering Tutor inoperative.
“It just boils down to finding our seafarer who is still onboard,” Cacdac said during a press conference in Manila, noting the urgency of the search and rescue mission. The incident is part of a troubling pattern, marking the third Houthi attack on a ship crewed by Filipino sailors in the past year. Previous attacks resulted in the deaths of two Filipino seafarers and the capture of 17 others, government data shows.
The Houthi militants, aligned with Iran, have claimed responsibility for the missile strike on Tutor and another vessel, Verbena, in the Gulf of Aden. These assaults are part of a broader campaign by the Houthis, who have targeted ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. The attacks have included the sinking of one ship, the seizure of another, and the killing of three seafarers.

“This situation cannot go on,” said Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasizing the need for heightened maritime security.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed that Philippine authorities are coordinating with UKMTO to bring the evacuated crew members to Djibouti for their safe return home. The missing sailor is believed to be trapped in the engine room, according to maritime sources and the Philippine migrant workers ministry.

Cacdac mentioned that Tutor, carrying 80,000 tonnes of coal, is stable and can