Two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security incident while the Saudi-operated oil tanker SIDR was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, August 31, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the DMW expressed its condolences over the deaths of the two Filipino crew members following the incident involving the vessel.
“The DMW mourns the deaths of two Filipino seafarers following a security incident involving the Saudi-operated oil tanker SIDR as it transited the Strait of Hormuz,“ the DMW said.
The DMW said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac has directed all concerned offices “to provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the affected Filipino crew members and their families,“ following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos affected by the ongoing security situation in the Middle East.
The DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Oman, along with other concerned government agencies, are “closely coordinating with the vessel’s principal, its licensed manning agency, and relevant authorities to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation“ of the surviving Filipino crew members.
The agencies are also providing necessary medical, welfare and other forms of assistance to those affected.
The DMW said it is coordinating with relevant parties for the proper handling and repatriation of the remains of the two Filipino seafarers.
It also assured that the families of the deceased seafarers will receive immediate assistance, including benefits, compensation, insurance proceeds and other entitlements under their employment contracts and applicable Philippine and international maritime regulations.
The department added that it continues to monitor the condition of the remaining Filipino crew members and is coordinating with Philippine government posts and authorities in the region to ensure their safe and immediate return to the Philippines.
“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 noted.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company Bahri confirmed that its vessel SIDR was involved in a security incident at around 11:40 p.m. local time on August 31 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahri also confirmed that two Filipino crew members were killed in the incident.
“The company… is providing its full support to the families and colleagues affected by the incident. Bahri remains in continuous contact with the vessel… while continuing to closely monitor developments,” Bahri said.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) earlier reported that a tanker was attacked by three projectiles while exiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
