Seventeen Filipino seafarers returned to Manila on October 9 after being involved in separate security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. The group included 16 crew members from the M/V Kazimah III and one from the M/V Sinbad, all of whom were safely repatriated through the efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). They arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Emirates Flight EK 334 and Etihad Airways Flight EY 446.
Both vessels sustained damage from unidentified projectiles during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Upon their return, DMW officials, along with representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Manila International Airport Authority’s medical team, were present to ensure the seafarers received the necessary support and assistance.
Manning agencies, including Pacific Asia Shipping Corporation and Anglo-Eastern Crew Management, Inc., were also on hand to welcome their crew members and facilitate their recovery process in the Philippines. The DMW and OWWA have instructed these agencies to conduct essential physical and psychological evaluations and debriefing sessions for the returning seafarers, ensuring their well-being.
Furthermore, the manning agencies were reminded of their responsibilities to provide all applicable benefits and compensation related to the crew members’ repatriation and the incidents involving their ships.
