THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday said the over 20 Filipino seafarers serving as crew members of the cargo ship docked at the port of Pivdennyi in Ukraine, which was hit last week by a Russian missile, are set for repatriation.
DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the department is discussing with the seafarers’ manning agencies the return of the crew members of the Kmax Ruler.
“We believe it may be better if they are temporarily brought home to their families,” said Cacdac said in a radio interview,
“We are arranging for their repatriation since they had experienced an extraordinary event.
Hopefully, in due time, they will be able to come home,” he added.
Cacdac said the decision to repatriate them was a result of a video conference meeting they had with all the 24 Filipino crew members over the weekend.
“We were able to talk to them and personally heard from them that they are in safe and good condition,” Cacdac also said.
Last Friday, the DMW reported that three Filipino seafarers — not four as it earlier said, based on a report of the manning agency — were hurt after a Russian missile hit the Kmax Ruler.
It said the engine trainee suffered a fracture, while the ship’s captain and third mate sustained minor injuries.
“The three were the only ones hurt since they were at the bridge when the attack happened,” Cacdac said
Cacdac said the engine trainee is already recovering at a hospital after undergoing a successful surgery, while the ship’s captain and third mate received immediate medical treatment on board. — Gerard Naval
