DOLE to pursue benefits for Filipino seamen still missing in South Africa

The Philippine government is determined to pursue benefits for six Filipino crewmen of the ill-fated bulk carrier that sank off South Africa’s southeastern coast last week, and assured the families of 18 others who are still missing that they would be provided with the necessary assistance in claiming their benefits.

Acting Labor Secretary Manuel Imson also confirmed that South African maritime authorities have already called off the intensive search and rescue operations that went on for several days, which resulted in the successful rescue of six Filipino crewmen.

The six rescued Filipino seamen were identified as Allan Omol, 4th engineer; Aljess Miranda, bosun; deck boys Lee Alemania and Elizer Paulino; Reantonio Vergara, deck cadet; and Sherie Montano, engine boy.

The ship’s manning agent in the Philippines, the InterOrient Maritime Enterprises Inc., confirmed in a report to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that a total of 24 Filipino seafarers, including the six earlier rescued, were manning the St. Vincent flag carrier MV Alexandros T, which sank off the coast of Port Alfred in South Africa last May 4 due to bad weather.

He said the six confirmed survivors would be repatriated to the Philippines as soon as possible after completing the required maritime investigations.

"They shall be assisted in pursuing the appropriate benefits based on their POEA standard contract and as OWWA members," he said.

Imson said that based on standard contracts under the POEA, seamen lost at sea are entitled to full benefits including $50,000 life insurance, $7,000 per child (below seven years old, maximum of four children), and burial benefit of $1,000.