22 Filipino Seafarers Repatriated After Missile Attack on Black Sea Vessel

Repatriation and Arrival

Twenty-two Filipino seafarers returned to the Philippines on Sunday, August 30, following an attack on their vessel in the Black Sea. The crew arrived aboard Turkish Airlines Flight TK084 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, where they were welcomed by representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority Medical Team, according to reports from The Manila Times and SunStar Publishing.

The seafarers were crew members of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Antonia S, which was struck by a missile on August 19 while berthed at Chornomorsk, Ukraine. The DMW stated that following the attack, local authorities evacuated the crew to a designated shelter within Chornomorsk Port, where they remained safe until repatriation.

Upon arrival, the seafarers received financial assistance through the Aksyon Fund under President Ferdinand Marcos 's Uplift initiative, as reported by The Manila Times. OWWA and DMW also coordinated with the crew's Local Manning Agency to ensure continued assistance, including temporary accommodation and transportation to their homes, according to SunStar.

Official Statements and Assistance

Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary for Sea-Based OFW Concerns Augusto San Diego III of the DMW welcomed the returning seafarers and emphasized the importance of seafarers' rights, urging them not to hesitate to refuse sailing on routes that may pose a threat to their safety. San Diego also urged prayers for fellow Filipino seafarers in high-risk areas and expressed hope for an end to armed conflicts.

"Isama ninyo sa inyong mga panalangin ang ating mga kababayang seafarers na patuloy na naglalayag sa mga lugar na apektado ng giyera. Higit sa lahat, ipanalangin natin na matapos na ang digmaan at matigil na ang karahasan na patuloy na naglalagay sa panganib sa buhay ng ating mga seafarers," San Diego said.

OWWA and DMW said they will continue to coordinate to ensure the needs of the seafarers are met until they reunite with their families, as reported by SunStar.

Related Incident and Ongoing Safety Measures

The Manila Times reported that the sister ship M/V Anna S was hit by a missile a day prior near Novorossiysk, Ukraine. The Anna S was manned by 20 Filipinos and a Romanian captain, all of whom were safely evacuated.

The Manila Times also reported that after returning, the seafarers will undergo medical and psychological assessments arranged by their licensed manning agency. The DMW reminded licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals to monitor welfare and comply with protocols for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. OFWs in crisis may seek assistance through the DMW Aksyon Fund via the contact page on the DMW website.