Filipino Seafarer Missing After Strait of Hormuz Attack, DMW Confirms Ongoing Search
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that a Filipino seafarer who assisted a distressed vessel in the Strait of Hormuz remains missing following an attack on a tugboat. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the individual is still unaccounted for, despite ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Search Operations Continue Amidst Uncertainty
"The search is still ongoing. There were people found on the tugboat that was hit by the missile but it was not him. So, the search continues," Cacdac emphasized. The DMW has extended immediate assistance to the seafarer's family, with a team visiting their home to provide support during this difficult period.
"Our team a few days ago had already visited the family's home and assured them of our full support while we await the results of the search and rescue at sea," Cacdac added, highlighting the department's commitment to the family's welfare.
Related Incidents: 38 Filipino Crew Members Safe
In a related development, Cacdac reported that 38 Filipino crew members from two vessels attacked in the Persian Gulf are safe and currently being transported to a secure port. "One has 21 Filipino crew members and are all safe. The other one has 17 Filipino crew members and are all safe," he confirmed.
Furthermore, the DMW chief noted that over 7,000 Filipino seafarers in the Middle East have been marked as safe in their monitoring system. "We have about 7,313 Filipino seafarers, who are marked 'safe' in our monitoring," Cacdac stated, providing some reassurance amidst the crisis.
DMW Appeals for Seafarer Safety in War-like Zones
The DMW continues to appeal to shipowners and manning agencies to prioritize the safety of Filipino seafarers during the ongoing Middle East crisis. Cacdac highlighted that the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz are currently classified as "War-like Operations Areas."
"We continue to call on ship owners and manning agencies to protect our seafarers, and honor their 'Right to Refuse Sailing'," Cacdac urged, stressing the importance of adhering to safety protocols in these high-risk regions.
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Filipino seafarers in conflict zones, with the DMW actively monitoring the situation and providing support to affected individuals and their families.
