Manila: The 15 Filipino seafarers aboard the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat, which was damaged after being hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, are set to return home, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday. In a statement, the DFA confirmed the seafarers were repatriated on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Labor Attach© to Muscat, Alice Visperas, emphasized that the immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of the Filipino nationals at sea. The department is collaborating closely with the vessel owners to ensure the crew's protection, monitor their emotional state following the incident, and facilitate their prompt repatriation.

The DFA further stated that the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Muscat swiftly provided welfare support to the affected seafarers. An MWO rapid response team was deployed to liaise with the ship's management, ensuring the safety and health of the crew. The team also guaranteed that the seafarers had access to essential amenities such as food, medical checkups, and communication channels to reach out to their families in the Philippines.

Under the guidance of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, the MWO is actively monitoring security developments in the region to safeguard overseas Filipino workers. The Al Rekayyat tanker was struck by a projectile and caught fire while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz on July 6.

The Qatari government has attributed full legal responsibility for the attack to Iran, calling it "a grave violation of the safety of international navigation, a direct threat to global energy supply security, and a clear and flagrant breach of international law."