In a significant maritime incident, thirty-eight Filipino seafarers have been successfully rescued after two ships were attacked in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. This development was officially confirmed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a radio interview on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Details of the Attacks and Rescue Operations
According to Secretary Cacdac, the two vessels, carrying twenty-one and seventeen Filipino crew members respectively, were struck by projectiles within the past forty-eight hours. The affected Filipino seafarers are currently being transported to safer ports to ensure their well-being and security.
Ongoing Monitoring and Regional Context
Cacdac revealed that there are approximately 7,313 Filipino seafarers currently deployed across the Middle East. He emphasized that the DMW is continuously monitoring the situation for all Filipino seamen in the region, which remains troubled by ongoing conflicts and instability.
Search for Missing Seafarer Continues
In a separate but related matter, Cacdac reported that search efforts are still underway for one Filipino seafarer who went missing after a tugboat was dispatched to assist a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities are actively working to locate the individual and provide updates as the situation evolves.
This incident highlights the persistent risks faced by Filipino maritime workers in volatile regions, underscoring the importance of robust safety protocols and international cooperation in safeguarding seafarers' lives.
