Four Filipinos and 21 Indians comprise the crew of the MSC Aries seized by the Iranian forces while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, last April 13.

The MSC Aries, while registered in Portugal, is alleged to have ties to Israel.

The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in a statement, "Upon directive of the President, we are in touch with the families of our dear seafarers and have assured them of full government support and assistance." 

According to sources, India is in contact with Iranian authorities in both Tehran and Delhi to "ensure the security, welfare, and early release of Indian nationals" onboard the MSC Aries. 

Meanwhile, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) condemned the seizure of MSC Aries and called for the immediate release of the innocent seafarers and the ship.

ICS Secretary General Guy Platten stated, “Iran’s seizure of the MSC Aries is a flagrant breach of international law and an assault on freedom of navigation. This reprehensible attack against a merchant ship once again places innocent seafarers on the front lines of geopolitical conflict. Our thoughts are with the 25 Seafarers who are now captives of Iran, and with the families who are now in fear of their loved ones’ safety. Iran must release the ship as a matter of urgency.”

Portugl Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, gave an urgent press conference and emphasized that the situation is a “gross violation of the international rights by the Iranian State”.

The government official recalled that, as the ship has a Portuguese flag, the Government has the obligation, in accordance with legislation, to demand the immediate release of the ship and all crew members.

Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac presided over the ceremonial oath-taking ceremony for the elected officers and Board of Directors of the Filipino Association of Mariners' Employment Inc. (FAME) on Monday, April 8, at the DMW Blas Ople building in Mandaluyong City.

FAME's elected officers for 2024-2025 are:

Mr. Ericson Marquez of Virjen Shipping, President;

Mr. Michael Estaniel of Trans-Global Maritime Agency, VP-External Affairs;

Mr. Jose Albar Kato of Albar Shipping & Trading, VP-Internal Affairs;

Capt. Ronald SJ Enrile of the Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Secretary; and

Ms. Carmen Rebusi of IMS Philippines Maritime, Treasurer.

The elected directors include:

Capt. Gaudencio Morales of Astra Marine International, 

Mr. Marlon Roño of Magsaysay Maritime,

Ms. Josephine Francisco of NYK-Fil Ship Management,

Capt. Reynaldo Casareo of Cargo Safeway,

Capt. Emmanuel Regio of Island Overseas Transport,

Mr. Miguel Angel Rocha of C.F Sharp Crew Management,

Atty Rodelio Ortiz of Stolt-Nielsen Philippines, 

Engr. Artemio Serafico of TSM Chemical Tankers (Phils), Inc.

Ms. Lenore Maxine Victoria Quijano of Barko International, and

Capt. Banny Briones of Multinational Maritime.

FAME is a non-stock, non-profit organization for manning and shipping in the Philippines, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1974.

Following a brief discussion with Secretary Cacdac about the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, FAME's new leaders convened a board meeting to discuss concerns facing Filipino seafarer employment and preparations for the organization's 50th founding anniversary celebration.

Two Filipinos were among the three crew members killed in the most recent attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, confirms the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Two of the four severely injured seafarers are also Filipinos. 

In a statement released by DMW, the agency extended its deepest condolences to the family and kin of the “slain heroic seafarers.” For reasons of privacy, their names and identities were withheld. 

As directed by the President, the DMW is coordinating with the ship’s manning agency and shipowner to ascertain the conditions of the rest of the Filipino crew and work on their repatriation.

The U.S. Central Command reported that “At approximately 11:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) March 6, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier while transiting the Gulf of Aden.”

The crew of 20 includes 15 Filipinos, one Indian, and four Vietnamese nationals. At the time of the incident, there were also three armed guards from Sri Lanka and Nepal.

The DMW reiterated its call to shipowners with ships navigating the volatile Red Sea – Gulf of Aden sea lanes to comply strictly with the expanded “high-risk areas” designation and to implement appropriate risk mitigation measures, such as rerouting vessels and deploying armed security personnel onboard such vessels.

Furthermore, the agency called for continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and to address the causes of the current conflict in the Middle East.

Read the related story: 

3 seafarers killed, 4 injured in Houthi attack 

https://www.marinoworldonline.com/news-article/196