All Filipino seafarers of MV Magic Seas back in PH

Metro Manila, Philippines - All 17 Filipino seafarers of MV Magic Seas have returned to the Philippines after Houthi rebels attacked the vessel in the Red Sea, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported on Sunday, July 13.

Eleven of the seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Saturday night while the six were repatriated on Friday.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac guaranteed that assistance will be given to the affected seafarers.

“Aside from our immediate financial assistance and reintegration services, all the seafarers will be also provided with medical check-up, kabilang ang [including] physical at [and] mental health assessments, gayundin sa [as well as] psychosocial counseling upang matulungan silang makabawi mula sa mga hamon sa ibang bansa [to help them recuperate from the challenges abroad],” Cacdac said in a statement.

The seafarers extended their appreciation to the government.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit at mabilis na pagtugon,” they were quoted as saying.

[Translation: Thank you very much for the concern and swift response.]

Houthi rebels attacked the MV Magic Seas on July 6, hitting the vessel with gunfire, drones, and missiles.

Cacdac earlier said the principal of the MV Magic Seas “will definitely be prohibited” from hiring Filipino seafarers, if it insists on traversing the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden.