38 Pinoy seafarers return from Hormuz, Black Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-eight Filipino seafarers on board vessels hit by missile strikes while transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea are now back in the country, the Department of Migrant Workers announced. According to the DMW, the seafarers from the motor vessels Marathi, Minoan Pioneer, Blue and Nissos Sifnos arrived in Manila in two batches on Friday. “They were repatriated after their ships were hit by drone or missile strikes while docked or navigating the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea,” the DMW said in a statement. The 38 were provided airport, medical and financial assistance by the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Manila International Airport Authority. Representatives of Sea Gate Navigation Corp., Intercrew Philippines Agency and Bright Maritime Corp. were also present at the airport to meet the arriving crew. “It is important that the manning agencies arrange the necessary physical and psychological checks, debriefing sessions and applicable benefits and compensation for the repatriated seafarers,” the DMW said. Philippines is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, and remittances from its overseas workers play a crucial role in the country's economy. This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Filipino workers abroad.