All of the 12 Filipino crew of the Dutch-flagged cargo ship, MV Minervagracht, which was damaged by an unidentified explosive device, are safe, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In a brief social media post last Wednesday, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac confirmed the status of the Filipino sailors after coordinating with their ship operator, employer, manning agency, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
‘Two were injured and are undergoing medical treatment,’ he said.
In a separate statement, he said one of the injured sailor has minor injuries and another with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
He clarified that only the 10 crew members, including those with minor injuries, are expected to return home soon.
The DMW, in close coordination with the DFA and the shipowners, are now working for the safe transfer and repatriation of the 10 sailors.
‘So far, the families, of course, want them home,’ Cacdac said.
Last Tuesday, it was reported that the Minervagracht was set on fire after it was attacked with an explosive by suspected Houthi rebels.
The European Union maritime mission Aspides rescued the crew of the Dutch-flagged ship before they were transported to Djibouti.
Aside from Filipinos, the multinational crew of MV Minervagracht, includes Russian, Ukrainian, and Sri Lankan nationals, were moved to secure location after their rescue.
DMW earlier assured it will provide medical aid, repatriation, counseling, and legal aid to the affected Filipino sailors.
It also said it will enhance the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers on board ships, which are passing through dangerous waters such as the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
The agency also imposed stricter measures for shipowners and manning agencies, which have sea vessels with Filipino sailors passing through said area.
This after Houthi rebels attacked the ships Magic Seas and Eternity C, which have Filipino crew members.