2 Pinoy seafarers hurt in Black Sea attack return home

MANILA, Philippines — The two Filipino seafarers injured in the July drone attack in Black Sea returned safely to the Philippines on Monday, August 3, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration announced. 

The seafarers were aboard the MV Gas Lisbon, the Liberia-flagged tanker transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), when their ship was attacked. It burned down near the coastline of Romania on July 20.

The two Filipino seafarers suffered burn injuries from the incident, while another Filipino crew member died on July 23. 

Tensions in Black Sea are brought on by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) met with the seafarers upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, where they were also given airport assistance and special financial assistance. 

Representatives from their licensed manning agency were also present to provide post-arrival interventions, including temporary accommodations, medical assessment and other assistance before they are sent home to their families.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier reported that 236 Filipino seafarers aboard 17 commercial vessels were affected by the attacks near Ukrainian ports.

Three of them were killed, 15 were injured and one is still missing, while 217 are safe. 

A total of 89 Filipinos, including nine injured, have returned to the Philippines. Cacdac assured that repatriation efforts are ongoing.