THE first batch of Filipino crew members of SW Northwind Vessel-1, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in late August, returned to the country on Saturday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said. In a post on its Facebook page, the OWWA said the 14 Filipino seafarers arrived by plane and were greeted by representatives of the OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers. OWWA said the Filipino seamen were given financial assistance, food, hotel accommodation and transportation during transit. "The government will continue to help in ensuring the safety and well-being of our seafarers following the incident," it added. SW Northwind Vessel-1, a bulker carrier built in 2009 and currently sailing under the flag of Panama, was attacked by Houthi rebels last month along the Gulf of Aden. A nearby explosion caused minor damage to the ship, but its crew emerged unharmed.