Filipino Seafarer Missing After Strait of Hormuz Attack Amidst Rising Tensions

A Filipino seafarer, George Francis Miranda, 46, is missing after the UAE-flagged tugboat Mussafah 2 was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, 2026. The incident highlights the growing dangers faced by the over 6,000 Filipino sailors working in the region, as escalating tensions disrupt vital shipping lanes.

Missile Attack and Search Efforts

According to his family, Miranda was reported missing by AD Ports Group, his employer. The Mussafah 2 was struck by two Iranian missiles while assisting a stranded container ship, the Safeen Prestige, approximately six nautical miles north of Oman . The attack is part of a series of Iranian strikes that have effectively closed the strait, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies, carrying approximately 20 percent of the world’s total.

Filipino Seafarers Stranded and Concerned

The situation has left many Filipino seafarers stranded and anxious. John Winston Isidro, aboard a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), described increased precautions, including halting work on deck and implementing a double watch on the bridge . Welbin Maghanoy, whose ship carries crude oil to Japan, reported being stranded for nine days, expressing fear due to ongoing attacks on oil tankers .

Union Concerns and Crew Morale

Judy Domingo, president of the United Filipino Seafarers union, stated she has received hundreds of calls from concerned sailors, with food supplies being a primary worry . Some sailors are requesting to leave their ships, but safe disembarkation and port access remain significant challenges. One sailor, posting online under the name Choi, shared a video detailing a crew vote on whether to risk passage through the strait, where traffic has significantly slowed .

Impact on Global Energy Economy

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has plunged the global energy economy into crisis. The closure of this vital shipping lane raises concerns about potential supply shortages and price increases. The situation underscores the vulnerability of global trade to geopolitical instability.

Ongoing Search and Support

The search for George Francis Miranda continues, and the Philippine government is providing assistance to his family. The United Filipino Seafarers union is working to support sailors in the region and advocate for their safe passage and well-being.