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Two Filipino seafarers were killed after a tanker was struck by projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz
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Bahri, the vessel’s operator, confirmed the deaths and said the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. Philippine time on August 31
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DMW said 16 Filipino seafarers were aboard the vessel when a fire broke out after the attack; the other 14 Fwere unharmed
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The vessel was grounded off Oman, where the Filipino crew were disembarked
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The Department of Migrant Workers and Philippine officials are arranging the repatriation of the surviving crew and the remains of the fatalities
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DMW urged shipowners to avoid high-risk waters when possible and to implement risk assessments, security protocols, and safeguards for voyages
Two Filipino seafarers were killed after a tanker was hit by projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Saudi Arabian shipping company Bahri and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Bahri, the operator of the vessel SIDR (IMO No. 9854715), said the ship was involved in a security incident at about 11:40 p.m. Philippine time on August 31 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is with profound sadness that Bahri confirms the loss of two of its Filipino seafarers as a result of the incident,” the company said in a statement.
DMW secretary Hans Leo Cacdac corroborated Bahri’s statement during a press briefing on September 2.
“There was an attack on a ship, its name is SIDR… It was hit by still unknown projectiles that hit the ship as it was about to cross the Strait of Hormuz,” Cacdac said.
The vessel had 16 Filipino seafarers aboard when a fire broke out after the projectiles struck the ship.
“The brave crew was able to contain it. However, two people were killed,” Cacdac added.
The vessel was subsequently grounded off the coast of Oman, where the Filipino seafarers, including the deceased, were disembarked.
Cacdac said the 14 surviving Filipino seafarers were unharmed and that the DMW was arranging their repatriation.
The Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office in Oman are coordinating with Omani authorities for the immediate repatriation of the surviving crew, while arrangements are also being made for the return of the remains of the two fatalities.
Both the DMW and Bahri said they would support the affected families and crew and coordinate with relevant authorities.
Bahri said the safety and well-being of its people remain its “highest priority” and that it remains committed to operating according to the highest standards of safety, security and environmental protection.
Emergency situation in Hormuz
Cacdac said the DMW remains on red alert as the Strait of Hormuz continues to be considered a “high-risk, war-like zone.”
The agency has been urging shipowners to avoid sending Filipino seafarers through the area whenever possible.
Shipowners must comply with safety requirements before allowing Filipino seafarers to undertake voyages through high-risk waters, Cacdac said.
These measures include risk assessments, security protocols, potential ship escorts, armed guards, and reporting systems. Seafarers should also have the right to refuse to travel through the hazardous route.
“Granting a seafarer the option whether or not to set sail on board a ship that crosses the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
READ: WSC, IMO stress freedom of navigation in Hormuz with US-Iran peace deal
Cacdac said 31 ships carrying 421 seafarers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 of this year.
Out of these, 406 seafarers were unharmed, 10 sustained injuries but have recovered, three tragically died, and one remains officially missing. Additionally, approximately 268 seafarers have already returned to the Philippines.
Cacdac said the Philippine government’s immediate priorities include returning the 14 surviving Filipino seafarers, repatriating the remains of the two deceased, and supporting their families.
READ: IMO halts seafarer evacuation after Iran attacks ship in Hormuz
