Manila: Fourteen Filipino seafarers who were aboard the crude oil tanker MT SIDR when it was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz have safely arrived in the country Tuesday evening. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, along with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, welcomed the repatriated seafarers from Dubai upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac emphasized the seafarers' condition, stating, "They are in good condition. They are unharmed, relatively unharmed, and safe, and are now ready to reunite and be with their families." He also expressed deep gratitude to the UAE and Omani authorities for their assistance and conveyed a message of thanks and solidarity from the President to the crew members who faced significant challenges during the attack on their ship.
Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker MT SIDR was struck by unidentified projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on August 31, carrying 16 Filipino seafarers, two of whom were killed. Cacdac conveyed condolences to the deceased crew members' families and noted that their repatriation is being arranged in the coming days, with the President's instruction to ensure their families are cared for.
The seafarers were evacuated from the vessel's coastline area in Al Khasab, Oman, following the attack and were flown out through Dubai, UAE. The 14 seafarers are currently staying in hotel accommodations organized by their manning agency, with agency representatives available to assist them.
Cacdac stated that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the OWWA will provide psychosocial counseling, and the seafarers will also undergo medical checkups through their manning agency. Caunan emphasized the priority of ensuring the seafarers' safe return to their families and access to necessary medical or psychological support.
The DMW is investigating the circumstances of the attack, including compliance with existing rules on deploying Filipino seafarers to high-risk areas. Additionally, the DMW is coordinating the repatriation of about 82 Filipino seafarers aboard four vessels attacked in the northern Black Sea. Cacdac mentioned that these vessels are now in safe ports, and the Filipino seafarers are expected to return to the Philippines around September 11 to 12.
