Philippines officials said that the crew of Tutor, a Greek vessel damaged by Houthi militants during an attack in the Red Sea is expected to be rescued in a day. However, one sailor remains missing.

The attack on the Tutor coal carrier flying the Liberian flag, which was attacked near the Yemeni Port of Hodeidah, caused flooding and severe damage to the engine rooms. It also rendered the vessel unable to move. The ship was taking on water and needed rescue.

Houthi militants, who are aligned with Iran, have claimed responsibility for the attack by boat and missile on the Tutor. Since November, the Houthis have launched drones and missiles on ships in shipping channels of Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, claiming to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza War.

Hans Cacdac of the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers, said at a Manila press conference that most of the 22 crew members aboard are Filipino.

He said that "rescue will be on the way within the day" and added that, for reasons of security, he couldn't divulge any further information.

Maritime sources reported that the missing crewmember was believed to be trapped inside the engine room. Cacdac, citing a captain, said that the rest of the crew was "safe" and had enough food.

We are still trying to determine or account for that particular seaman on board. Cacdac stated, "We are praying that we can find him."

Reuters has not received a response from the ship's Athens based manager Evalend Shipping.

Sources said that U.S. and French vessels were attempting to evacuate the crew. They would then be transferred to Bahrain and salvage efforts would follow. Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Renee Maltezou, with additional reporting by Yannis Souiotis. Editing by Angus MacSwan.