THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the 39 Filipino crew members of two ships, attacked by drones in the Black Sea last week, are safe and are closely being monitored by the government.
Among those affected were the 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Anna S, which burned up after being hit by drones on August 17.
They were rescued by the M/V Elina B, which was also subjected to drone attacks, but was able to reach Turkey with its 22 Filipino crew members.
Citing the reports of their licensing manning agencies, the DMW all of the said Filipino sailors were unharmed from their ordeal in the Black Sea amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
One of the Filipino members of M/V Anna S, however, was hospitalized in Turkey due to a kidney ailment.
‘He remains in stable condition and is undergoing diagnostic procedures under the supervision of a nephrologist and medical team,’ DMW said in a statement on Sunday.
The principal or shipowner of M/V Anna S has provided help to her 17 Filipino crew members, including US$300 in cash assistance, a mobile phone to enable communication with their families, clothing, footwear, toiletries, medications, and other essential supplies.
It is also working with the Philippine Embassy in Turkey and Turkish authorities for the processing of travel documents and immigration clearances to facilitate the crew’s safe disembarkation from M/V Elina B and their repatriation.
Migrant Worker Secretary Hans J. Cacdac gave assurances they will help ensure the swift processing of the mariners.
‘We are closely coordinating with the concerned agencies, our Migrant Workers Office, the Philippine Embassy, the shipowner, and the manning agencies, to ensure their safety, provide needed assistance, and facilitate their safe disembarkation and repatriation. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and support the affected seafarers and their families,’ he said.
Earlier this month, DMW reported that ongoing conflict in the Black Sea has resulted in three Filipino fatalities and affected 230 Filipino seafarers onboard 17 ships.
The agency noted that the family members of the affected OFWs in such crisis or distress situations may seek assistance at DMW Central Office, DMW Regional Office, or Migrant Workers Office (MWO).