SEARCH, RESCUE OPS FOR MISSING FILIPINO CREW ‘RENDERS MORE DIFFICULT’ AFTER MV TUTOR SUNKEN — DMW
Manila Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the Bulk Carrier MV Tutor sank after being attacked again by Houthi rebel groups.
According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, based on the reports they received, MV Tutor was last seen on June 17.
But on June 18, when the search and rescue operations were carried out again, the said Bulk Carrier ship can no longer be found.
In the latest advisory to the DMW by maritime personnel, there is said to be an increase in oil spills near Eritrea, in Africa.
This is also where MV Tutor was last seen.
“Based on reports was lost in sea [MV Tutor]… the last time it was sighted was June 17… On June 18, when a ship returned on the scene supposedly to commence the search and also the salvaging operation with respect to the ship, she could not be found,” Cacdac said in a press briefing.
But it has not yet been confirmed what is the condition of a Filipino crew member who has been reportedly missing after the incident.
For now, the DMW continues to consult with the management of the MV Tutor for the search and rescue operation for the missing crew of the ship.
Cacdac insisted, the sinking of the ship is also one of the things that make it difficult for the authorities to operate the search and rescue.
“It renders it more difficult given the circumstances. We are still waiting for the word on the situation,” Cacdac said.
RELATED: MV TUTOR SUNKEN BY THE ATTACK OF HOUTHIs IN YEMEN – UKMTO
MV Tutor was first hit by two missiles on June 12 as it cruised through the Red Sea.
In a statement, the US State Department first said that the said missing crew member of the MV Tutor was dead after the last attack by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) continue to coordinate with the relatives of the missing Filipino.
While the department’s consultation continues, whether the management of MV Tutor violated the DMW’s directive to prohibit vessels from passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.