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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was arranging the repatriation of the remains of a Filipino seafarer, who killed in an attack on the 'Velos Sapphire' in the Persian Gulf on Nov 5, as well as the return of the 21 surviving Filipino crew members. During a press briefing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac confirmed that the vessel had reached a safe port and that the deceased seafarer's remains had been disembarked for repatriation to the Philippines. Of the 21 survivors, one was injured but has since recovered. Secretary Cacdac also planned to visit the deceased seafarer's family in their province upon his return to the Philippines.

The CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Tenerife coordinated the assistance for three cayucos on Nov 9. They werw carrying 74, 221 and 35 people. The 'Salvamar Acrux', 'Salvamar Diphda' and 'Salvamar Navia' took part in the response.

The 'Velos Sapphire', with 22 crew members on board, was attacked in the Arabian Gulf on Nov 4, 2026, at 11.20 p.m. UTC. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued Warning 196-26, reporting that a tanker had been struck by two unidentified projectiles approximately 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar. A fire broke out following the explosion at the aft port side, but was subsequently extinguished. The Greek management firm, Velos Tankers, confirmed the death of a Philippine crew member, who had initially been reported missing following the explosion. Another Pinoy was injured. The tanker has been brought to Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, where an investigation into the incident was to be conducted and the extent of the damage to the vessel's hull be assessed. The UKMTO recorded another tanker struck by two projectiles east of Ras Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia, on Nov 2. On Nov 3, a separate tanker reportedly suffered projectile impacts in its engine room near Lima, Oman.

An offload operation appeared to be imminent from the 'Caroline Bezengi', which remained firmly stuck on the rocks off the southwestern tip of the island of Jazirat Al Qibliyyah, Oman. The appointed salvor Ambrey Salvage had first monitored the condition of the tanker, identifying that it was settling and developing a further list, and also worked to reduce oil leakage. Leaks were stopped up about two weeks ago, likely as a consequence of pumping oil from leaking to intact tanks. The work was facilitated by the end of the Khareef monsoon season. With wave and wind conditions now relatively calm and stable, and likely to remain so for the next week, emptying the remaining tanks could now commence. The effort was to protect the Hallaniyat Islands Marine Buffer Zone with its endangered species of Arabian Sea humpback whale, spinner and Risso’s dolphins, unique seabirds and loggerhead turtles from further oil pollution. It could also recover what could be as much as 650,000 barrels of crude that, once dewatered, could be worth about $50 million. As of Nov 9, the Maltese-flagged Aframax tanker 'Hydra' (IMO: 9294551) was visible west of the island in satellite imagery. A second tanker may also be present, as were two tugs and an MPSV. If and when the oil transfer is completed, the salvor may still be considering whether the tanker was lightened enough to be floated off. Otherwise the disposal of a heavily polluted wreck would be a residual problem that the Omani government will need to consider. Report with photo: https://maritime-executive.com/article/oil-offload-imminent-for-wrecked-tanker-caroline-bezengi

The CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Tenerife coordinated the assistance for three cayucos on Nov 9. They werw carrying 74, 221 and 35 people. The 'Salvamar Acrux', 'Salvamar Diphda' and 'Salvamar Navia' took part in the response.