Basra: Twelve Filipino nationals have been rescued following an Iranian attack on the vessel they were manning near Basra in Iraq on March 11, the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad announced. These crew members were part of the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, which was struck by a suspected Iranian 'suicide boat' while in Iraqi waters, resulting in the death of one Indian national.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad confirmed on Wednesday that the 12 Filipino seafarers are now safe in the Basra Governorate in Southern Iraq. 'Iraqi authorities were able to rescue the affected seafarers in the early hours of 12 March and provided immediate medical care once ashore,' the embassy stated.

The embassy is collaborating with Iraqi authorities and the shipping company to supply the seafarers with the necessary documentation for their repatriation. Medical and welfare assistance have been extended to the seafarers as well.

The attack coincides with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, now in its second week, as Tehran has threatened to 'set fire' on any ship attempting to traverse the Strait of Hormuz.