Strait of Hormuz attack leaves two Filipino seafarers dead, 14 safe -DMW

Two Filipino seafarers were killed when a Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker was hit by "unknown projectiles" as it was about to cross the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Migrant Workers said.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said 16 Filipino seafarers were aboard the tanker Sidr when the attack occurred. He said the 14 Filipino survivors are safe as the oil tanker had docked in Oman.

“There were 16 Filipino seafarers onboard. Unfortunately, meron tayong dalawang tripulante na nasawi as a result of the attack. Nagkaroon ng fire sa barko at na-contain ng ating magigiting na tripulante. However, may dalawang nasawi,” Cacdac said.

(There were 16 Filipino seafarers onboard. Unfortunately, we have two seafarers who died as a result of the attack. There was a fire on board which was contained by the Filipino seafarers, but unfortunately, two of them died.)

The bodies of the two victims have already been brought down from the ship.

The agency is still gathering details, but will soon meet the families of the victims to extend aid.

Based on the DMW’s initial information, the tanker had come from the east coast of the United Arab Emirates and appeared to be heading toward the Strait of Hormuz when it was attacked off the coast of Oman.

“The way it looks is mukhang papasok siya kasi that's the way it appears. Kasi nanggaling siya sa the east coast of UAE at mula doon umakyat siya at yun nga, patawid siya off the coast of Oman. Patawid siya ng Strait of Hormuz nung inatake siya,” Cacdac said.

(The way it looks is that he's coming in because that's the way it appears. It came from the east coast of the UAE and from there it went up and was about to cross off the coast of Oman. It was about to cross the Strait of Hormuz when it was attacked.)

He said that the information on the ship’s route remains preliminary pending a final determination.

“Again, this is all subject to a final determination... But that is as far as we know at this stage,” he added.

The remains of the two Filipino seafarers have been brought to Oman, while the 14 other Filipino crew members are safe and arrangements are underway for their repatriation.

“They are safe. I will not disclose where they are, but soon they will be flying out,” Cacdac said, as he thanked Omani authorities for their assistance.

The DMW is also coordinating with the vessel’s employer and ship manager regarding assistance for the surviving seafarers and the families of those killed.

Cacdac said he will personally visit the families of the two fatalities beginning Thursday to ensure they receive the necessary assistance, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

“We will be helping and holding the family together with the OWWA,” said Cacdac.

The DMW remains on red alert as the Strait of Hormuz continues to be considered a high-risk area.

According to Cacdac, 31 vessels carrying Filipino seafarers have been attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz since February 28. A total of 421 Filipino seafarers were aboard those vessels, 268 of whom have already returned to the Philippines.

Around 3,000 Filipino seafarers are still estimated to be in the Persian Gulf, although Cacdac clarified that this does not mean they are all currently in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a passage for vessels entering and leaving the Gulf.

The DMW continues to require shipowners to conduct risk assessments before sailing, ensure adequate security protocols and reporting mechanisms, and recognize the right to refuse sailing of Filipino seafarers when vessels are bound for high-risk areas.

“We continue to remind them to be mindful of the safety of our seafarers on board and to put them out of harm's way,” Cacdac said.

“We're thankful for the assistance they are providing the families, but nothing beats prevention,” he added.

The DMW said it is also coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense in monitoring the security situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz. –NB, GMA News