‘Only job I know’: Philippine sailors return to sea despite wartime risks

Despite risks in the Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea, seafarers from the Philippines are still competing for jobs.Published On 11 Aug 202611 Aug 2026Manila, Philippines – Monsoon rains may have forced schools to shut down and suspended government services in the Philippine capital last week, but applicants at shipping companies and employment agencies still formed long lines that snaked around street corners.The rain was the least of their worries. They were taking the first step on a journey that would take them to increasingly treacherous waters – and they say they are fully aware of the risks.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3After Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, has Iran war now reached Caspian Sea?list 2 of 3Iran warns Ukraine of retaliation after deadly Caspian Sea strikelist 3 of 3Kyiv warns Iran against escalation after Ukraine’s Caspian Sea attackend of listGerald, a veteran sailor, was sorting out some last-minute paperwork for his next deployment next week. He is going to board the same ship he was last on – a cargo vessel off the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The last time he was there, he was stuck for two months. He was due to return to the Ph...