Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 15)— Fifty-four more Filipino seafarers from Ukraine arrived home on Monday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This is the biggest batch of repatriates so far among the sector.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DFA said the group comprised of seafarers from MV Bolten Ithaki, MV Ithaca Prospect, MV Polar Star, and MV Riva Wind.
“The latest arrival brings the total number of seafarers repatriated from Ukraine since February 27 to 247 seafarers, while 14 are still expected to arrive today,” it noted.
The agency added evacuation efforts are also ongoing for some 97 seafarers in the remaining vessels in the war-torn country.
Latest DFA data showed a total of 370 Filipinos have availed of government assistance since Russia’s invasion of the former Soviet state.
Crisis Alert Level 4 is currently raised over Ukraine.
