Two Filipino seafarers hurt in Black Sea drone attack now back in PH

MANILA – Two Filipino seafarers injured after a drone struck their tanker while traversing the Black Sea have safely returned to the Philippines and are now receiving government assistance while continuing their medical treatment.

In a news release Tuesday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the two Filipinos were among the crew members of the Liberia-flagged LPG tanker MV Gas Lisbon, which caught fire after being hit by multiple Russian drones while en route to Ukraine.

“Ang Liberia-flagged LPG tanker ay tinamaan at nasunog sa karagatan malapit sa baybayin ng Romania noong Hulyo 20 (The Liberia-flagged LPG tanker was hit and it caught fire at sea near the coast of Romania on July 20),” OWWA said.

“Dahil sa insidente, dalawang Pilipinong tripulante ang nagtamo ng burn injuries, habang isa nilang kasamahan ang pumanaw noong Hulyo 23 (Due to the incident, two Filipino crew members sustained burn injuries, while one of their colleagues passed away on July 23),” it added.

The two seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday evening aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR932, where they were welcomed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela Galias and representatives from OWWA.

The DMW and OWWA provided airport assistance and financial support upon their arrival. OWWA said the seafarers also received special financial assistance as part of the government’s immediate response.

The DMW said the seafarers’ licensed manning agency, Alpha Pearl of the Orient Maritime Inc., facilitated their repatriation, hospitalization and continuing medical care.

The agency was also directed to ensure that the two seafarers undergo the necessary physical and psychological examinations, including debriefing sessions, to support their recovery.

Meanwhile, the DMW and OWWA assured continued coordination with the family of the deceased Filipino seafarer to provide the necessary assistance, including support related to the repatriation of his remains and other forms of aid.

-Philippine News Agency