21 Filipino Seafarers Repatriated After Separate Incidents In Strait Of Hormuz, Malaysia And Black Sea

Twenty-one Filipino seafarers returned to Manila on Aug. 15 after separate incidents involving three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Malaysia and the northern Black Sea, the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

The group included three crew members from the M/V Abu Al Abyad, seven from the M/V En Ocean and 11 from the M/V Europe I.

The three Filipino crew members of the M/V Abu Al Abyad were sent home after the vessel was involved in projectile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Seven crew members of the M/V En Ocean returned after the vessel broke down and was later abandoned in Malaysia.

The 11 Filipino crew members of the M/V Europe I were taken off the vessel before its planned voyage through designated High-Risk and Warlike Areas in the northern Black Sea.

One of the returning seafarers said help from the Philippine government prevented them from being exposed to the ongoing conflict.

“There was a possible threat to our scheduled voyage, but with the help and guidance of the DMW, we were able to avoid being caught up in the war,” the seafarer said.

After reaching Manila, the 21 seafarers received airport and financial assistance from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Medical teams also carried out initial health checks.

DMW OIC-Assistant Secretary Augusto San Diego III assured the seafarers that government programs and services would continue to support their recovery and return to normal life.

The DMW and OWWA also asked the concerned manning agencies to arrange physical and psychological assessments and debriefing sessions for the crew.

The agencies were further directed to make sure the seafarers receive all benefits and compensation they are entitled to.

The three cases involved different circumstances, including projectile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a vessel breakdown and abandonment in Malaysia, and a planned transit through designated high-risk areas in the northern Black Sea.

References: filipinotimes, tribune