Oman has helped secure the release and repatriation of the multinational crew of the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C, months after the sailors were detained in Yemen following a Houthi attack in the Red Sea.

An official linked to the vessel’s operator and a maritime security source confirmed the development on Wednesday.

The Foreign Ministry of Oman said it organised the safe return of eleven crew members, nine Filipinos, one Indian and one Russian, who had been stranded in Yemen since the ship sank in July.

According to the ministry, the group was flown from Sana’a to Muscat aboard a Royal Air Force of Oman aircraft, where arrangements were made for their onward travel home.

The Eternity C was operated by a Greek company and went down after the crew abandoned the ship due to repeated Houthi strikes involving sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades.

Rescuers managed to pull the seafarers alive from the Red Sea, but the Houthis later stated that they were holding several crew members, including a security guard. The U.S. Mission in Yemen had previously accused the Houthis of kidnapping the sailors and urged their immediate and unconditional release.

Oman said the repatriation was part of its humanitarian efforts in Yemen and added that cooperation from all relevant parties had helped complete the operation.

Video Credits: Associated Press/YouTube 

Philippines Labour Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed strong appreciation for Oman’s actions. He thanked the Omani government and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the efforts made to secure the crew’s release.

He also noted the hospitality he experienced during his visit and highlighted the longstanding positive labour relations between the Philippines and Oman, where a significant Filipino workforce is employed.

India’s Ambassador to Oman, Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, also acknowledged Oman’s role. He emphasised the long-standing ties between India and Oman, which span more than seven decades of diplomatic, economic and maritime cooperation. He expressed India’s gratitude for Oman’s support in securing the release and smooth repatriation of the Indian crew member.

Indian sailor Anel Kumar said he felt deeply relieved to be freed and expressed his thanks to Oman for the assistance that enabled him to begin his journey home.

Filipino crew member Julimo Taberos similarly conveyed his gratitude to Omani authorities and said he looked forward to reuniting with his family after a challenging period in Yemen.

The attack on the Eternity C occurred just days after the Houthis targeted another commercial vessel, the Magic Seas, which also sank after its crew was rescued.

These incidents were part of a renewed Houthi campaign that saw more than 100 ships attacked between November 2023 and December 2024, which the group said was carried out in support of Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.

References: khaleejtimes, gccnews24