Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that two Filipino seafarers were killed after the Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker SIDR was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening.
According to Philippines News Agency, in an online press briefing Wednesday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the vessel was hit by unidentified projectiles as it was about to cross the strait, resulting in a fire that the crew managed to contain. "There were 16 Filipino seafarers on board. Unfortunately, mayroon tayong dalawang tripulante na nasawi as a result of the attack. Nagkaroon ng fire sa barko at na-contain ng ating magigiting na tripulante, however may dalawang nasawi (we have two crew members who died as a result of the attack. There was a fire on the ship, and our brave crew managed to contain it, however, two lives were lost)," he said.
Cacdac added, "The ship is now off the coast of Oman. Ibinaba na sa Oman yung dalawang labi ng ating kababayan at sunod na rin bumaba ng barko yung 14 na unharmed, buhay, at isinasaayos ang pagpapauwi ng 16, kasama na dun 'yung dalawa nating kababayan na nasawi (The two remains were brought ashore in Oman, followed by the 14 unharmed crew members. Arrangements are being made to repatriate the 16, including the remains of the two who were killed)."
The vessel's operator, Bahri, separately confirmed that the SIDR, identified by IMO No. 9854715, was involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz at about 11:40 p.m. local time Monday. Bahri expressed their deep condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the two deceased seafarers, ensuring full support to the affected families and crew while coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders.
Cacdac highlighted that the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Oman are coordinating with Omani authorities for the immediate repatriation of the surviving crew. "Oman is the closest embassy and migrant workers office that we have off the coast of the Strait of Hormuz," he explained. The government is also actively reaching out to the families of the two seafarers who died, with Cacdac himself planning to make personal visits to the families within 48 hours.
As the government gathers more information on the incident, Cacdac assured that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) would investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. "Usually when we are still 48, 24 to 48 hours removed from the event, hindi pa kumpleto ang detalye (the details of the event are not yet complete). We will find out the details as we go along," he mentioned.
Cacdac emphasized that the DMW remains on red alert as the Strait of Hormuz is considered a high-risk, war-like zone. The department has been advising shipowners to avoid sending Filipino seafarers through the area when possible, while ensuring safety requirements are met for such voyages. These include risk assessments, security protocols, possible ship escorts, armed guards, and reporting mechanisms, with seafarers granted the option to refuse sailing through the dangerous route.
Cacdac noted that 31 ships carrying 421 seafarers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28. Of these, 406 seafarers were unharmed, 10 were injured but have recovered, three died, and one remains officially missing. About 268 have already returned to the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Bahri reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its people, stating that these remain its "highest priority" and that it is committed to operating according to the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental protection. For the Philippine government, Cacdac stated that the immediate priorities are to bring the 14 surviving Filipino seafarers home, repatriate the remains of the two fatalities, and provide support to their families.
