DFA: 4 Philippine ships safely exit Strait of Hormuz

MANILA, Philippines — All 81 Filipino seafarers of four Philippine-registered vessels are now safely out of the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The four Philippine-registered vessels – MV Lyng Trader, MV Western Doncaster, MV Vivian Trader and MV Eva Fuji – manned by Filipinos safely transited the strait and out of the conflict area in the Persian Gulf.

The vessels transited through the Strait of Hormuz on the last week of June.

“All 81 Filipino seafarers aboard the four vessels are safe. Most have resumed their regular seafaring duties, while others have taken the opportunity to return home to their families,” the DFA said in a statement.

The United Nations facilitated the safe passage of 136 vessels and approximately 2,900 seafarers out of the conflict area.

Evacuation operations were suspended following the end of the temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States, leaving some Filipino seafarers still stranded in the region.

The DFA said it will continue to closely monitor the situation of the Filipinos and their eventual safe passage.

The United States launched strikes against targets in Iran that reponded with attacks on facilities in Gulf states allied with Washington.

The military escalation in the region disrupted shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz,?a vital?artery?for global?energy?supplies.