The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) received 15 Filipino seafarers at South Harbor, Pier 13, early Sunday morning, following the tragic capsizing of the Singaporean-flagged vessel, M/V Devon Bay.
The repatriated survivors, along with the remains of two deceased crew members, arrived at approximately 5:00 a.m. aboard the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua.
Upon arrival, the survivors were provided with immediate medical examinations and briefed on the comprehensive support packages available to them. To ensure their well-being after the traumatic incident, the government has facilitated:
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Medical Evaluation: Transfer to temporary accommodations for extended physical and psychological check-ups.
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Family Reunification: Coordination of safe transport to reunite seafarers with their families.
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Financial & Legal Aid: Ongoing processing of insurance claims and emergency financial assistance through DMW and OWWA.
The M/V Devon Bay, which was transporting iron ore from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, to Guangdong, China, capsized on Friday, January 23, in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
| Status of Crew | Count |
| Confirmed Survivors | 15 |
| Confirmed Deceased | 2 |
| Missing (Search Ongoing) | 4 |
The Philippine government emphasizes that operations are far from over. Search and rescue teams remain deployed in the vicinity of the incident to locate the four missing Filipino crew members.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those still missing and those who lost their lives,” said a representative for the joint DMW-OWWA task force. “We are working tirelessly with the PCG and international maritime authorities to provide answers and sustained support to every affected family.”
The DMW and OWWA continue to coordinate closely with the vessel’s manning agency and the Singaporean flag state to ensure all benefits and compensation are fast-tracked for the seafarers and their kin.
