Filipino Sailors from Seized MSC Aries Return Home Amid Regional Tensions

Three out of four Filipino sailors who were part of the crew of the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries seized by Iranian authorities in April while passing through the Strait of Hormuz have safely returned home to the Philippines. The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the return of the sailors, with one crew member having been released earlier for health reasons. The return of the remaining crew members was described as a quiet process by DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac during a recent forum in Quezon City.

Despite Iran’s claim in May that the crew had been released, the ship remains under Iranian control. The seizure of the MSC Aries, which has a crew of 25, was reportedly in retaliation for a suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. The incident raised concerns within the global shipping industry, prompting a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General calling for increased efforts to protect maritime security and innocent seafarers.

The MSC Aries is leased by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company from Gortal Shipping, a subsidiary of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. The seizure of the ship by Iran on grounds of violating maritime law and alleged links to Israel has underscored the ongoing tensions in the region, with Iran-backed groups like the Houthis launching attacks on merchant ships in solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers and the need for stronger international action to ensure their safety at sea.

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