Tragedy at Sea: Filipino Seafarer Lost in Persian Gulf Attack
This week, the waters of the Persian Gulf turned perilous when a heartbreaking incident unfolded involving a Filipino seafarer. In the early hours of Thursday, around 1 a.m. local time, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, MT Velos Sapphire, was struck by an unidentified projectile, igniting chaos on board.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac shared the somber news in an interview with GMA News’ JP Soriano. One Filipino crew member tragically lost his life, while another was injured amid the turmoil. “There were 22 Filipino seafarers on board,” Cacdac reported. “One of our kababayan (countrymen) died. Of the 21 others, one is injured, and thankfully, 20 are safe and sound.”
As the fear and confusion spread, authorities are still piecing together what happened. Was the projectile a drone? Or was it a missile? The ship’s management, Velos Tankers, suspects it was indeed a missile attack.
The vessel was making its way to Bahrain when disaster struck. In a statement, Velos Tankers expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their crew member, who was initially reported missing but later found gravely injured on board. Although the company did not acknowledge the injury of the Filipino sailor, they emphasized that the crew managed to extinguish the fire sparked by the explosion and reported no pollution from the incident.
The MT Velos Sapphire has since been transported to Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, where authorities are assessing the vessel’s damage, determining the condition of the crew and initiating an investigation into this tragic event.
Back in the Philippines, Cacdac’s office is in constant communication with the ship’s manning agency to ensure the safety and eventual return of the Filipino survivors. The government has already reached out to the bereaved family of the deceased sailor to provide the necessary assistance during this incredibly challenging time.
In light of this incident, the Department of Migrant Workers plans to issue a new advisory urging ship owners to reconsider sending their vessels through the Persian Gulf. They emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of Filipino seafarers, allowing them to refuse passage through high-risk areas, and ensuring they receive appropriate wages.
As the dust settles from this tragic event, we are reminded of the brave men and women working at sea, risking their lives to support their families back home. Our hearts are with the families affected, as we stand in solidarity during this trying time.
