The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued a stern order to all licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to reroute vessels manned by Filipino crew to avoid high-risk zones, particularly the area around the Bab el Mandeb Strait. This critical directive comes in the wake of escalating maritime attacks in the Red Sea region, which have led to the sinking of two vessels and the confirmed loss of at least four lives (including three Filipino seafarers) in the past week.
New Directive for Vessel Rerouting
A major department overseeing maritime workers has issued an unprecedented order requiring licensed manning agencies and their accredited foreign principals to reroute or divert vessels staffed by their nationals to avoid zones designated as warlike and high-risk by international labor federations, specifically the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
This directive is a first of its kind, building upon previous advisories that reminded seafarers of their right to refuse to sail in dangerous areas and prohibited deployment on vessels that had already been attacked. The new mandate places the onus on agencies and principals to ensure vessels avoid these hazardous regions proactively.
Furthermore, the department emphasized that manning agencies and principals must honor the right of their seafarers to refuse sailing in these high-risk areas. For those who invoke this right, immediate and safe repatriation must be arranged.
Aftermath of a Red Sea Sinking
This new policy comes in the wake of a recent tragic incident in the Red Sea. Search and rescue operators have recovered more individuals from the water following the sinking of a bulk carrier on Wednesday morning, July 9, after it was attacked on July 7.
The vessel had 25 individuals on board at the time of the attack, consisting of 22 crew members and three security personnel. Many of the crew were nationals of the aforementioned maritime labor-supplying country.
As of the latest reports, a total of 10 people – eight crew members and two security team members – have been safely recovered. However, five individuals remain missing, and six are reported to have been taken by the militant group responsible for the attack. Tragically, four people are presumed to be dead. The militant group issued a statement claiming they had “rescued” individuals from the water.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
