TWELVE Filipino seafarers on board the attacked Dutch-flagged cargo vessel Minervagracht are now safe and accounted for, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In a statement, the DMW reported that the Filipino crew members of the cargo vessel attacked in the Gulf of Aden have been moved to a secure location.
“The Filipino crew members will be transferred again for their scheduled flights home this weekend,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
“We will continue to supervise the safe transfer and repatriation of the crew,” he added.
He said 10 crew members, including those with minor injuries, are now out of danger and are expected to return home.
Cacdac said the other two remain under medical care, with one having minor injuries and another with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
“We will keep monitoring the situation and provide all necessary support to ensure the well-being and safe return of all affected seafarers,” said Cacdac.
Upon their return, the Department said a whole-of-government response will welcome the crew.
These include accommodation from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), financial aid and psychosocial counseling from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and medical check-ups from the Department of Health (DOH).
The DMW said the families of the seafarers have already been informed and are receiving close support throughout the process.
Last September 29, a missile struck the Minervagracht, which immediately ignited a fire onboard.
On Thursday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a cargo vessel.
