Suspected drone attack kills Filipino seafarer aboard oil tanker in Persian Gulf

One Filipino seafarer died in an explosion that hit the Marshall Islands-flagged oil products tanker MT Velos Sapphire in the Persian Gulf on November 5, 2026. 

According to the Department of Migrant Workers, the 21 other Filipino crew members aboard the vessel were unharmed. 

The vessel was sailing toward Sitrah, Bahrain, when the explosion occurred, and initial reports suggested a possible drone attack. 

The cause of the explosion remains unverified, reported the DMW.

The licensed manning agency, which received the shipowner’s report of the death, has informed the family and is providing assistance and guidance. 

The DMW and the shipowner conveyed their condolences and assured the family support. 

“We will provide all the support and guidance the bereaved family needs during this difficult time. As the President has consistently reminded us, we must always take care of the families of our Filipino seafarers,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac in a statement. 

The DMW continues to coordinate with the shipowner and relevant authorities to monitor developments, determine the circumstances of the explosion, and ensure that assistance reaches the bereaved family.