Seventeen Filipino sailors aboard the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier M/V Minoan Dignity returned safely to Manila today following a harrowing attack while transiting south of the Strait of Hormuz on August 17, 2026.
The crew arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Emirates flight EK334. While the 17 seafarers were safely reunited with their families, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) deeply mourned and confirmed the tragic death of one Filipino crew member during the incident.
Government officials led by OIC-Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concerns Augusto B. San Diego III welcomed the repatriated crew at the airport. Representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team were also present to provide immediate support.
Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s UPLIFT initiative—designed to deliver rapid assistance to seafarers affected in the Strait of Hormuz—the returning crew received:
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Financial assistance funded by the DMW AKSYON Fund and OWWA.
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Preliminary health and medical assessments by the MIAA Medical Team.
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On-ground coordination and support from their manning agency, Sea Gate Navigation Corporation.
During the arrival reception, OIC-Assistant Secretary San Diego conveyed the government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the fallen crew member while expressing profound relief for the safe return of the survivors.
The DMW and OWWA have instructed Sea Gate Navigation Corporation to guarantee that all repatriated crew members receive:
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Comprehensive physical and psychological evaluations.
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Professional trauma debriefing sessions.
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Full disbursement of appropriate benefits and financial compensation.
In light of this tragic event, the DMW issued a stern reminder to all licensed manning agencies and accredited principals. Authorities mandated constant monitoring of deployed seafarers’ locations and well-being, alongside strict adherence to maritime safety precautions and transit protocols within the Strait of Hormuz.
