2 Filipino seafarers killed after oil tanker attacked near Strait of Hormuz

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 04, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino seafarers were killed after a Saudi-operated crude oil tanker was struck by unidentified projectiles while approaching the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed.

The Filipino crew members were aboard the M/V Sidr, a Saudi-flagged tanker operated by national shipping company Bahri, when the incident occurred at around 11:40 p.m. local time on August 31.

According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, 16 Filipino seafarers were aboard the vessel when it was hit. The strike caused a fire, which the crew was able to contain. Two Filipinos died, while the remaining 14 crew members are safe.

The remains of the two seafarers have been brought to Oman, where Philippine authorities are coordinating their repatriation. The surviving Filipino crew members are also being prepared for their return to the Philippines.

The victims were from Cabuyao, Laguna and Daanbantayan, Cebu, according to Malacañang. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered concerned agencies to provide immediate assistance to their families, including help in securing compensation, insurance proceeds and other benefits.

The DMW said it would also determine whether the required safety measures were followed before the Sidr entered the high-risk area.

Shipowners and manning agencies are required to conduct risk assessments, establish appropriate security measures, consider vessel escorts when necessary and properly inform crew members of the dangers involved before sailing through conflict-affected waters.

Cacdac reiterated that Filipino seafarers have the right to refuse to sail through high-risk or warlike areas without losing benefits or entitlements.

The DMW issued an advisory on August 28 reminding shipping companies and licensed manning agencies to strengthen protection for Filipino crews amid heightened security risks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest incident comes as commercial shipping in the strategic waterway faces increased security threats.

Since February 28, the DMW has recorded 31 vessels carrying 421 Filipino seafarers involved in attacks or security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz area. Of those Filipino crew members, 406 were unharmed, 10 were injured and later recovered, three were killed and one remains missing. Around 268 have already returned to the Philippines.

The DMW estimates that around 3,000 Filipino seafarers remain aboard vessels in the wider Persian Gulf, underscoring the potential impact of continued instability in the region on Filipino maritime workers.