DMW Confirms 740 Filipino Sailors Attacked In Red Sea And Gulf Of Aden

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) revealed at Tuesday’s CREW Connect global seafarers conference that 4,687 Filipino seafarers are still working in high-risk areas, including piracy and armed conflict.

Of these, 740 Filipino sailors were attacked while transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. DMW Secretary Hans Caddack confirmed these alarming figures while speaking about the difficult situation faced by Filipino seafarers.

Despite increased support from government agencies, including requests for shipowners to divert vessels, Caddack said stronger protocols and guidance are urgently needed to protect seafarers in these dangerous areas.

Captain Ashok Srinivasan, director of maritime safety at the Baltic International Maritime Council, expressed concern at the same conference about the increasing violence in these waters.

“Ships are being attacked, our sailors are being attacked and killed in the Red Sea,” Srinivasan said. “No one should ask our sailors to take this risk.” He urged governments to intervene directly, adding that the scale of the violence was beyond the capacity of shipping companies and non-governmental organizations to bear.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, recalled the difficulties faced by the crew of the Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked last November, adding to the urgent need.

“We have 25 crew members on board, can you imagine the pain they and their families are going through now? All our efforts have been in vain,” Platten said.

17 of the 25 crew members held hostage are Filipino nationals currently held by Houthi terrorists.