Filipino seafarer killed in Persian Gulf tanker explosion as DMW assists affected crew

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 08, 2026

Photo Courtesy: DMW

A Filipino seafarer has died after an explosion struck an oil products tanker in the Persian Gulf, prompting the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to extend assistance to the victim’s family and monitor the condition of the surviving crew.

The incident occurred aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Velos Sapphire in the early hours of November 5, while the vessel was sailing toward Bahrain.

Initial reports suggested that the tanker may have been hit by a drone. However, Philippine authorities have yet to determine whether the explosion was caused by a drone, missile or another type of projectile.

The vessel had 22 Filipino crew members on board. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that one Filipino died in the incident. Reports on the condition of the remaining crew initially differed, with the DMW later reporting that the other 21 Filipinos were safe.

The tanker’s Greek management company, Velos Tankers, said the crew initially reported one seafarer missing following the explosion. The crew later found the individual fatally injured aboard the vessel.

The explosion also triggered a fire, which the crew managed to extinguish. The ship was subsequently taken to Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, where authorities are expected to investigate the incident and assess the damage to its hull.

No oil spill or environmental pollution was reported.

Cacdac said the DMW is coordinating with the vessel’s manning agency and shipowner to ensure the Filipino survivors receive assistance and are eventually repatriated. The government has also contacted the family of the deceased seafarer and assured them of support.

Following the incident, the DMW said it would issue an advisory urging shipowners to avoid sending vessels through high-risk areas of the Persian Gulf.

The department also intends to remind employers to respect Filipino seafarers’ rights to refuse deployment in dangerous areas, seek repatriation and receive appropriate compensation.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of Filipino maritime workers as tensions and security threats continue to affect commercial shipping routes in the region.