Philippine authorities are assisting 25 Filipino seafarers, including one hospitalized in Qatar, after their oil tanker was reportedly attacked by three drones in the Persian Gulf, the Department of Migrant Workers said Tuesday.
The injured crew member was being treated at Hamad General Hospital in Doha after being rescued by Qatar’s navy and coast guard following the Oct. 7 attack on the tanker ACER, the department said.
The other 24 Filipino crew members were safe and heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the vessel was expected to anchor, according to a local manning agency contacted by Philippine labor officials.
A team from the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, led by Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer, visited the hospitalized seafarer and provided clothing and other necessities.
Officials said they would monitor his recovery and arrange welfare assistance and his eventual return to the Philippines.
The department said it would continue coordinating with authorities and agencies to ensure the affected seafarers receive support.
