Philippines brings home 837 seafarers caught up in maritime conflicts

Philippines brings home 837 seafarers caught up in maritime conflicts
November 12, 2026 https://splash247.com/philippines-brings-home-837-seafarers-caught-up-in...

The Philippines has repatriated 837 seafarers affected by attacks and security incidents in the Black Sea and Middle East this year.

Migrant workers secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed the figures on Wednesday, saying 1,189 Filipino seafarers had been affected by incidents in the northern Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz since January. The repatriations represent more than 70% of those affected, although hundreds of seafarers remain overseas as the government continues to monitor their situation.

The latest figures come following the November 5 attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged products tanker Velos Sapphire in the Persian Gulf, which killed one Filipino crewmember. The remaining 21 Filipino seafarers aboard survived and the vessel subsequently reached a safe port. Philippine authorities are coordinating with the shipowner and manning agency to arrange the repatriation of the deceased seafarer’s remains and provide assistance to his family.

The Philippines has previously moved to restrict deployment to particularly dangerous areas and reinforced seafarers’ rights to refuse assignments in designated high-risk waters.