Ten Filipino seafarers have been safely repatriated after exercising their right to refuse to sail through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened security risks in the region. The seafarers, who were working aboard the Liberian-flagged general cargo ship Dema M, arrived back in Manila on 4 September.
The Philippine government recognises the right of Filipino seafarers to refuse to sail through areas deemed high risk. AIS tracking data from Pole Star Global showed the Dema M in port in Kuwait on 28 August before its tracking signal disappeared. The vessel reappeared on 6 September near the border of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, indicating that it had crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
The 10 crew members were met at the airport by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Venecio V. Legaspi, who praised their decision to prioritise their safety. “We are here to show the DMW and our Secretary the support we have for your decision,” Legaspi said.
The repatriation follows the deaths of two Filipino seafarers in an attack on the Bahri VLCC Sidr on 31 August. In the wake of the attack, the DMW reiterated to shipowners and crewing agencies that Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse assignments in high-risk areas, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Another 14 Filipino seafarers aboard the Sidr survived the attack and were staying at a hotel in Khasab, Musandam, Oman, while arrangements were made for their repatriation. “Our immediate priority is to ensure that our seafarers are safe, cared for, and brought home to their families.
No Filipino seafarer should have to face a crisis overseas alone,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.