Support for Filipino Seafarers in High-Risk Zones Amid Ongoing Conflicts

At the CREW Connect Global seafaring conference, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that 4,687 Filipino seafarers are currently working in high-risk zones, including areas threatened by piracy and armed conflict. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac highlighted that 740 Filipino seafarers have been attacked while navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which are amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In response, various government agencies have increased their assistance to these seafarers, with the DMW urging shipowners to reroute their vessels to ensure their safety. However, Cacdac acknowledged the need for stronger protocols and guidance to protect seafarers facing direct threats.

During the conference, Capt. Ashok Srinivasan, the manager of Maritime Safety and Security at BIMCO, emphasized the urgency of the situation, condemning the attacks on shipping and seafarers in the Red Sea. He called for direct intervention from governments, stating that the escalating violence in these waters exceeds the capabilities of the shipping industry and NGOs. Guy Platten, the secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, echoed these sentiments, referencing the distress of the crew members aboard the hijacked motor tanker, the Galaxy Leader. Of the 25 crew members taken hostage by Houthi rebels, 17 are Filipino nationals who remain captive.

The situation facing Filipino seafarers in high-risk zones is a matter of grave concern, with attacks and hijackings posing significant threats to their safety and well-being. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have placed these seafarers in perilous situations, prompting calls for immediate action from government authorities to ensure their protection. The plight of the crew members aboard the Galaxy Leader serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers in these volatile regions, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to safeguard their lives and livelihoods.

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