Two vessels carrying Filipino seafarers safely exited the Strait of Hormuz on April 25, bringing the total number moved out of the high-risk area to nearly 1,200, following diplomatic assurances from Iran. The Department of Migrant Workers reported 36 Filipinos aboard these vessels, with 15 others remaining on two ships seized by Iranian forces.
MANILA — Two vessels, the Omicron Nikos and the Russia-flagged superyacht Nord, safely cleared the Strait of Hormuz on April 25 after being stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said. This update follows earlier diplomatic efforts where Iran designated the Philippines a 'non-hostile country' and allowed safe passage for Philippine-linked vessels.
The 142-meter Nord, reportedly linked to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, carried 36 Filipino seafarers from the two vessels combined. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac had earlier noted that around 800 Filipinos were ferried out via cruise ships on April 18, when Iran briefly lifted restrictions on the strait.
However, 15 Filipino seafarers remain aboard two container ships—Epaminondas and Francesca—seized by Iranian forces on April 22. "We have been assured that all 15 Filipino seafarers are safe, unharmed, and it will be a matter of time for their ships to be cleared," Cacdac said.
The DMW will continue monitoring vessel movements, coordinating with manning agencies and shipowners, and communicating with families to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers.
