3,000 Filipino Seafarers Stranded by Hormuz Strait Closure

MANILA, Philippines — Around 3,000 Filipino seafarers remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following its closure as a result of renewed hostilities in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers said yesterday. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the 3,000 seafarers are on board 400 ships stuck in the Persian Gulf. “The department is closely coordinating with the licensed manning agencies and the shipowners of these vessels still in the Persian Gulf to ensure the seafarers’ safety and welfare,” Cacdac said. He gave assurance that salaries and benefits are continuously being provided to their families and that the seafarers were given continuous supply of food, water, medicines and other basic needs while they remain on the ships. The agency also reported that 3,718 Filipino seafarers had successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz. Cacdac said two vessels – MV Al Rekayyat and MV Wedyan with 15 seafarers each – were able to exit on July 6 and 7 but were attacked. They managed to dock at Oman, and seafarers ferried by MV Al Rekayyat safely returned to the country. The DMW said they are still checking the whereabouts of those on board MV Wedyan. Cacdac said the DMW remains ready to repatriate interested overseas Filipino workers affected by the conflict. Apart from the $200 financial assistance per repatriate, some 18,000 OFWs were provided grocery items and other services. The DMW and partner agencies also launched livelihood and job fairs for those already back in the country.