DMW completes repatriation of distressed crew of MV Magic Seas
(Photo: Department of Migrant Workers)
Eleven more crew members of MV Magic Seas, a Liberian-flagged cargo ship attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, were flown to the country by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Saturday night, July 12.
This means that the DMW has completed the repatriation of all 17 Filipino crew members aboard the ill-fated vessel.
The seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City via Singapore Airlines flight SQ 0918 around 11:10 p.m.
They were welcomed by DMW officials led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, as well as representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Cacdac reassured the repatriated seafarers that they will receive assistance from the government, applauding their courage and resilience in overcoming their ordeal.
“Magaling kayo at magigiting. May AKSYON FUND tayo para magbigay ng tulong at suporta sa inyo, pero hindi ’yan ang pinakamahalaga. Ang mahalaga ay nakauwi kayo ng ligtas (You are skilled and brave. We have the AKSYON FUND to provide you with help and support, but that’s not what matters most. What truly matters is that you made it home safely),” he said.
Aside from immediate financial assistance and reintegration services, all the seafarers will also be provided with medical check-ups, physical and mental health assessments, and psychosocial counseling.
Meanwhile, the seafarers thanked the national government for saving their lives.
To recall, the first batch of repatriates, composed of six seafarers, returned on July 11.
MV Magic Seas was attacked by Houthis while it was sailing roughly 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen last July 6.
The vessel had 19 crew members, including 17 Filipino seafarers, who were rescued after abandoning the ship before it sank.