Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) – The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday confirmed that a Filipino seafarer was found dead on a beach in Vanuatu, a country of some 80 islands in the South Pacific.
“Yes, it was in the local news there that a Filipino crew member was discovered missing from the foreign vessel as it left Vanuatu. Shortly, the body was found on the beach,” said Ivy Banzon-Abalos, the DFA’s executive director for strategic communications, in a message to reporters.
However, Banzon-Abalos said they have yet to verify reports that the seafarer was found to have been infected with the coronavirus.
According to a report by Radio New Zealand, Vanuatu halted all outbound travel in the island for three days after the deceased seafarer tested positive for COVID-19.
The DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Australia, through the Philippine Consulate General in Vanuatu, has already reached out to the manning agency and that the latter has already informed the seafarer’s family.
“Under Philippine laws, the local manning agency is mandated to ensure that the family will receive all the benefits due to the family of the deceased,” said Banzon-Abalos.
“The local manning agency is in touch with its principal company, as well as with its local company in Vanuatu to facilitate investigation of the case,” she added.
Banzon-Abalos also said the Philippine Embassy in Australia is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation on the seafarer’s death.
“The embassy in Australia stands ready to provide the appropriate assistance on the repatriation of the remains,” she said.
CNN Philippines correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report
