A TOTAL of 33 Filipino crew members from three different vessels have been successfully repatriated back to the Philippines after surviving drone attacks in the Black Sea.
Twelve Filipino crew members of the ill-fated M/V Gas Aura arrived last Friday, July 24, after surviving two drone attacks in the Black Sea.
The Panama-flagged LPG tanker was reportedly struck by drone attacks while anchored near Kavkaz, Russia, in the Black Sea on July 12 and 15. The attacks damaged the vessel, necessitating the immediate evacuation of the entire crew.
Two of the Filipino seafarers sustained burn injuries and were among the first to be repatriated to the Philippines to receive immediate medical attention.
Last Saturday, nine Filipino crew of MV Arosa and six crew of MT Gas Lisbon arrived safely back in the country.
MV Arosa was reportedly struck by a drone while at Chornomorsk, Ukraine. Initial information revealed that one Filipino seafarer lost his life in the incident.
Meanwhile, MT Gas Lisbon was inbound for Ukraine when it was struck by multiple Russian drones. One of the Filipino crew died and two were injured and remain in intensive care.
On Monday, six Filipino crew of the Liberian-flagged oil and product tanker MV Al Bahyah arrived. The vessel was reportedly involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz; all crew were safely rescued.
Upon their arrival, they were immediately welcomed and assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) — in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the MIAA Medical Team — to ensure a smooth arrival process and the immediate provision of necessary post-arrival assistance.
This included food, financial aid, assistance with domestic flights and land transportation, and temporary accommodation for those in need.
The said seafarers will also receive assistance through the Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs), under the Alagang OWWA Program, which includes psychosocial support, reintegration services, livelihood assistance, and other programs to help them get back on their feet and start anew.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to continuously safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers across the globe, OWWA — in collaboration with the DMW and other government agencies — remains steadfast in its support, ensuring that every OFW is not only brought home but also assisted in getting back on their feet and moving forward with their lives.
