Body of Filipino Seafarer Killed on Velos Sapphire Being Repatriated
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) says the remains of a Filipino seafarer killed on the product tanker Velos Sapphire, and his 21 surviving crewmates, are being brought home. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was hit by two unidentified projectiles early on 5 November 2026 about 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, on Qatar’s northern tip, in the central Persian Gulf.
This follow-up confirms the nationality of the crew member who died, which was unknown in early reports. All 22 crew on board were Filipino. The ship, managed by Athens-based Velos Tankers, was sailing empty towards Sitra in Bahrain. One survivor was injured and has since recovered, and the crew put out the fire themselves. No pollution was reported, and the tanker has reached a safe port.
From the CrewMirror Blog
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac told reporters at Manila’s NAIA airport that the government would do everything possible to help the family, and that he plans to visit them in their home province. Philippine authorities have not yet said whether a drone or a missile hit the ship, while the manager believes it was a missile. No arrival date has been announced.
The death comes after an attack on the crude carrier Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz on 31 August that killed two Filipino seafarers. About 150 Filipino seafarers on 14 ships have faced threats in the Hormuz area since October, according to the report.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Attacks are no longer limited to Hormuz and now reach the central Persian Gulf. Seafarers joining ships bound for the Gulf should know their contract and war-risk area rights, including bonus pay and the right to refuse, before signing on.
