Filipino seafarers who survived a missile strike on their vessel in the Persian Gulf have returned home, Philippine authorities said Saturday, as the government continues efforts to bring back the remaining crew members.
The group arrived in the Philippines on April 18 after the oil tanker MT Aqua 1 was hit by an Iranian cruise missile near Qatar during the first week of April, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the returning seafarers were received upon arrival and are now under the care of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. He said the agency is providing immediate welfare assistance and post-arrival services to support their recovery following the incident.
“The government remains committed to ensuring the well-being of our seafarers, especially those affected by crisis situations abroad,” Cacdac said.
He added that the remaining Filipino crew members from the MT Aqua 1 are safe and are expected to return to the country soon. Authorities are coordinating with manning agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate their repatriation.
The missile strike underscored ongoing security risks in the Persian Gulf, a key global shipping route that has seen heightened tensions in recent months.
Philippine authorities said they continue to monitor the situation in the region while extending assistance to all affected Filipino seafarers.
