40 Filipino Seafarers Safe After Hormuz Strait Attacks

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang confirmed that the 40 Filipino seafarers aboard two separate commercial vessels attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last week are all safe. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited a report from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirming that all 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the container ship MV Ever Lovely and the 19 crew members aboard the Panama-flagged oil tanker MT Kiku were unharmed. Both vessels were attacked by one-way drones from Iran on separate dates. The MV Ever Lovely was struck on June 25, while MT Kiku was hit on June 27. The attacks occurred despite the recently signed peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which was intended to restore safe passage through the waterway where around 20% of the world's oil supply passes. The MV Ever Lovely remains seaworthy and is expected to arrive in Singapore on July 5, Castro said. “Naka-monitor ang mga awtoridad sa kalagayan ng vessel at mga sakay. At nakikipag-ugnayan ang mga awtoridad sa mga Filipino crew kung sakaling kailangan nila ang onboard psychosocial assistance,” Castro said. (The authorities are monitoring the condition of the vessel and individuals aboard. And, the authorities are coordinating with the Filipino crew in case they need an onboard psychological assistance.) According to the DMW's report, about 2,100 Filipino seafarers aboard 85 vessels have already exited the Strait of Hormuz despite the tensions. On the other hand, around 3,800 Filipino seafarers remain aboard ships in the Persian Gulf. As one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, incidents in such tense international waters raise concerns not only for the safety of Filipino mariners but also for the Philippine economy.