2 Filipino seafarers killed in attack on oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz
The Department of Migrant Workers has confirmed that two Filipino seafarers died after a Saudi-flagged oil tanker was attacked while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 31.
Saudi national shipping company Bahri said on Sept. 2 that two of its vessels, including crude carrier SIDR, were hit late Monday, 11:40 p.m., by unknown projectiles about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khabsab, Oman.
DMW Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac said in a Wednesday online briefing that there were 16 Filipino sailors onboard the SIDR. Fourteen were unharmed, while two have died.
"Nagkaroon ng fire sa barko at na-contain ng ating magigiting na tripulante; however, may dalawang nasawi," he said.
The DMW said on Wednesday that the government is coordinating with the vessel's principal, the licensed manning agency, and authorities to repatriate the Filipino crew affected by the incident, as well as the two Pinoys who died.
Additionally, the agency said it is ensuring that the families of the deceased seafarers will receive immediate assistance, compensation, insurance proceeds, and other benefits due to them under their employment contracts.
"Secretary Cacdac assured the families of affected seafarers that, in accordance with the President's directive, the government will continue to mobilize all available resources to assist them and ensure that no affected Filipino seafarer or family is left without government support," the DMW said in a statement.
The attack came after, on Aug. 30, the US carried out air strikes on Iran for the first time since late July. Iran retaliated by striking two US air bases with ballistic missiles in Washington-allied Jordan.
Since the outbreak of the Middle East war in February, Iran has maintained control over Hormuz—through which a fifth of global crude and gas normally passes—and closed it. (with reports from Reuters, AFP)