MANILA: A Filipino seafarer died after a suspected drone attack hit the Marshall Islands-flagged oil products tanker MT Velos Sapphire in the Persian Gulf on Thursday (Nov 5), according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The DMW said on Saturday that 21 other Filipino crew members aboard the vessel were unharmed.
“The vessel was sailing towards Sitrah, Bahrain, when the explosion occurred, and initial reports suggested a possible drone attack. The cause of the explosion remains unverified,” the DMW said in a statement.
The agency said the licensed manning agency had informed the victim’s family and extended assistance.
“The shipowner has likewise conveyed its condolences and assured the family of its support. No pollution or environmental damage has been reported following the incident,” it added.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also assured the bereaved family of support from the Marcos administration.
The DMW said it continued to coordinate with the shipowner and relevant agencies to determine the cause of the explosion. - Inquirer/ANN
