MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, repatriated last week a Filipino seafarer who got lost at sea but was rescued by a Russian vessel.
The unidentified Filipino was rescued last Jan. 26, 2026 by the Russian Pacific fleet tugboat "Alatau" after being reportedly found adrift at the southern part of the South China Sea for almost two days.
He was transported to Vladivostok for medical evaluation and temporary accommodation, the DFA said on Monday.
Neither the DFA nor the embassy provided details surrounding the Filipino's rescue.
"The seafarer arrived in the Russia without any identification documents, travel papers, or valid immigration status," the DFA said.
The embassy coordinated with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Berlin, Germany and Russian authorities to ensure his safety, welfare, and proper immigration processing, including the issuance of exit clearances and related documentation.
He arrived in the Philippines on Feb. 13.
