32 Filipinos in Strait of Hormuz tanker attacks unharmed

There were 11 Filipino seafarers aboard the MT Front Altair and 21 from the MT Kokuka Courageous when the tankers were damaged during an incident off the strait on June 13, the DFA said. (File Photo By Patrick Roque, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday reported that the Filipinos aboard the two tankers reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last week were unharmed and are now being assisted by their manning agencies for repatriation.

There were 11 Filipino seafarers aboard the MT Front Altair and 21 from the MT Kokuka Courageous when the tankers were damaged during an incident off the strait on June 13, the DFA said.

Through the assistance of United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities, Philippine Ambassador to UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana met with the Filipino crewmembers in two separate meetings.

“Ambassador Quintana is happy to report that all Filipino seafarers are unharmed and in good condition,” the DFA, through Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez, said in a bulletin Tuesday.

“The seafarers are appreciative of the concern extended to them by the Philippine government and all those involved in their rescue.

The manning agencies are now looking after the crews’ wellbeing and are dealing with their repatriation,” it added.