10 Pinoy seafarers repatriated after vessel attack in Gulf of Aden

MANILA, Philippines — Following a missile attack by Houthi rebels on the Netherlands-registered marine vessel in the Gulf of Aden, ten Filipino crew members were successfully repatriated on Saturday, October 4, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). 

In an update on Sunday, October 5, the DMW said the ten Filipino crew members of MV Minervagracht arrived on October 4 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac personally met the repatriated seafarers, who arrived aboard Air France Flight No. 224, ensuring they immediately received government support.

“Sisiguruhin namin ang maayos na delivery ng inyong mga benepisyo at karapatan. Bukod dito, nag-aalok din ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng DMW ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, kabilang ang physical at mental health support at psychosocial counseling, upang madagdagan ang tulong na ibinibigay ng inyong licensed manning agency,” Cacdac said. 

(We will ensure the proper delivery of your benefits and entitlements. Furthermore, the government, through the DMW, also offers health services, including physical and mental health support and psychosocial counseling, to supplement the aid provided by your licensed manning agency.)

In addition to health and mental wellness support, the seafarers received financial aid collaboratively provided by the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The repatriation was facilitated through the collaborative work of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices, and the licensed manning agency and its local agent in Istanbul.

MV Minervagracht was at sea when it came under attack 120 nautical miles southeast of Yemen's port city of Aden on September 29.

According to reports, the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile and subsequently caught fire. 

Reports also said rescuers successfully saved the ship's 19 crew members, who included Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino and Sri Lankan nationals.