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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
MANILA, July 20 (APD) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said they are actively monitoring the developments in the Middle East, especially in the Strait of Hormuz after it received reports about a United Kingdom-registered motor tanker (MT) Stena Impero was seized by Iranian authorities last night (Friday) while passing through the vital sea lane.
It has been reported that there were 23 crewmembers, 18 Indians, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino.
Quoting Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola, it was learned the manning agency reported no injuries and the vessel is headed towards Iranian waters.
Philippine Ambassador to Iran Fred Santos has made representations with Iranian authorities to seek assurance that the seafarers’ safety as it appealed for their early release.
The Philippine-based manning agency has already informed the seafarer’s immediate relatives and has provided the necessary assistance. The agency’s foreign counterpart also made representations with United Kingdom authorities on the whereabouts of the seafarers.
It was learned MT Stena Impero was boarded by unidentified intruders from small vessels and a helicopter while along the Strait of Hormuz in international waters.
The DFA said authorities were unable to contact the vessel which is now reported heading towards Iran. According to the International Chamber of Shipping, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Ukraine are believed to be the top suppliers of all seafarers, from officers to ratings.
The Philippines, according to the same report, is the biggest supplier of ratings followed by China, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. China has become the biggest suppliers of officers followed by the Philippines, India, Indonesia and the Russian Federation.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, from a total of US$28,943,123 billion in remittances last year (2018), US$6,139,512 billion came from sea-based workers.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)