Metro Manila, Philippines – Nine Filipino seafarers have returned to the Philippines after a drone strike hit their vessel as it entered a Russian port, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
The crew members of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Rostrum Optima arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Aug. 14 after being repatriated from Türkiye.
In a statement, the DMW said the vessel was struck by a drone while entering the Port of Taman in Russia. The ship later reached Istanbul, where it is undergoing repairs.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met the Filipino crew aboard the vessel during an official mission in Türkiye and checked on their condition following the incident.
The DMW did not report any fatalities among the nine Filipinos.
Upon their arrival in Manila, the seafarers underwent initial health checks and received financial and airport assistance from the DMW. They were also provided welfare assistance by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
“Let us continue to pray for our seafarers who risked their lives in the line of duty. Manalangin tayo na sana ay matapos na ang kaguluhang nakaaapekto sa ligtas at mapayapang paglalayag ng mga barkong may sakay na Pilipinong mandaragat,” DMW OIC-Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concerns Augusto San Diego III said.
The DMW and OWWA directed the crew’s manning agency, Hanseatic Shipping Phils. Inc., to arrange physical and psychological assessments and debriefing for the seafarers.
The agency was also told to ensure that the crew receives all benefits and compensation due to them following their repatriation.
The DMW reiterated its call for manning agencies and shipowners to strictly observe safety protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers through the Black Sea and other areas affected by armed conflict.
