A Filipino seafarer was killed while 21 other Filipino crew members escaped unharmed following an explosion aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf on November 5, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported.
The explosion occurred in the early hours of Thursday aboard the MT Velos Sapphire, an oil products tanker sailing toward Sitrah, Bahrain.
Initial reports suggested that the vessel may have been targeted in a drone attack, although authorities have yet to verify the cause of the explosion.
The DMW confirmed that one Filipino crew member died in the incident, while the remaining 21 Filipino seafarers were reported safe.
The department expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and assured them of government assistance.
According to the DMW, the vessel’s shipowner reported the death to its licensed manning agency, which subsequently informed the victim’s family and began providing assistance and guidance.
The shipowner also extended its condolences and pledged support to the bereaved family.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured the family that the government would provide the necessary assistance in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to support Filipino seafarers and their families.
“We will provide all the support and guidance the bereaved family needs during this difficult time. As the President has consistently reminded us, we must always take care of the families of our Filipino seafarers,” Cacdac said.
Meanwhile, the DMW said no pollution or environmental damage had been reported following the explosion.
The department continues to coordinate with the shipowner and relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and monitor further developments.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the explosion was caused by a drone strike or another factor.
The DMW said it would continue ensuring that the bereaved family receives the necessary assistance as the investigation proceeds.
