The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on 23 April that the 15 Filipino seafarers aboard two vessels seized by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz are safe and unharmed.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that 10 Filipinos are on the MV Epaminondas and five on the MSC Francesca. Both ships are now along the Iranian coastline under the control of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, but authorities have assured their safety while awaiting clearance for release.
The vessels were seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, reportedly for operating without proper permits and allegedly tampering with navigation systems. Reports indicate the Epaminondas sustained heavy bridge damage after being fired upon, while the MSC Francesca also suffered structural damage and was forced to anchor.
The DMW is coordinating closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, manning agencies, and shipowners, while monitoring developments and maintaining communication with the crew and their families. The government is also closely tracking maritime conditions in the Arabian Gulf, where tensions have risen due to ongoing regional conflicts.
Despite the incident, most Filipino seafarers in the region remain in safe areas or have already exited the Strait of Hormuz. The DMW reiterated its commitment to protecting Filipino workers at sea and expressed hope that the situation will be resolved, as in similar past incidents.
Source: Safety4sea
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