DMW: 2 Filipino seafarers killed in Strait of Hormuz attack

DMW: 2 Filipino seafarers killed in Strait of Hormuz attack
Marita Moaje September 3, 2026 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1283212

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.

In an online press briefing Wednesday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the vessel was hit by unidentified projectiles as it was about to cross the strait, sparking 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.

“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),” he added.

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 said it was deeply saddened by the loss of two Filipino seafarers and extended its condolences to their families, loved ones and colleagues.

The company said it was providing full support to the affected families and crew and remained in contact with the vessel while coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders.

Cacdac said 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,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac said the government is reaching out to the families of the two seafarers who died.

“I myself, based on the directive of the President, will make personal visits to the families in the next 48 hours,” he said.

“At this stage, it's important to reach out to the families, and we're currently doing that,” Cacdac added.

He said authorities were still gathering information on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and assured that the DMW would investigate the incident.

“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 said.

Red alert in Hormuz

Cacdac said the DMW remains on red alert as the Strait of Hormuz continues to be considered a high-risk, war-like zone.

The DMW has been urging shipowners to avoid sending Filipino seafarers through the area when possible.

Shipowners must also comply with safety requirements before allowing Filipino seafarers to undertake voyages through high-risk waters, Cacdac said.

These include risk assessments, security protocols, possible ship escorts, armed guards and reporting mechanisms.

Seafarers must also be allowed to refuse to sail through the dangerous route.

“Granting a seafarer the option whether or not to set sail on board a ship that crosses the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Cacdac said 31 ships carrying 421 seafarers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since Feb. 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.

Bahri, meanwhile, said the safety and well-being of its people 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 said 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. (PNA)