Metro Manila, Philippines – A Filipino seafarer died following an explosion aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Velos Sapphire in the Persian Gulf on Thursday, Nov. 5, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
The vessel was sailing toward Sitrah, Bahrain, when the explosion occurred. Twenty-one other Filipino crew members were reported unharmed.
Although the cause of the explosion remains unverified, the DMW said initial reports suggested a possible drone attack.
The licensed manning agency and the shipowner have notified the victim’s family and are currently providing assistance and guidance.
ADVERTISEMENT
