Fourteen Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) serving as crew members aboard the merchant vessel MT Acheloos have been safely repatriated to the Philippines following a missile incident involving their ship on July 20, 2026.
The successful evacuation and return of the crew were coordinated through the joint efforts of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Muscat, the Philippine Embassy in Oman, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Following the incident, the 14 seafarers were safely disembarked at Shinas Port in Oman. MWO-Muscat worked in close coordination with the seafarers’ local manning agency and the vessel’s local ship agent in Oman to manage the logistics of their disembarkation, overland transport, and immediate repatriation. “The safety, security, and swift return of our seafarers remain our highest priorities,” noted the MWO-Muscat team. “Thanks to seamless inter-agency collaboration and quick coordination with local port authorities and vessel agents, all 14 crew members were successfully safely evacuated and prepared for their journey home.”
Upon their arrival in Muscat, MWO-Muscat and OWWA officials met the crew to provide immediate assistance, including warm meals, temporary care, and full airport departure facilitation at Muscat International Airport.
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Departure from Oman: The crew departed Muscat International Airport on August 9, 2026, via Qatar Airways Flight QR1125.
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Connecting Flight: They transferred in Doha, Qatar, for Flight QR932 bound for the Philippines on August 10.
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Expected Arrival: The seafarers are scheduled to touch down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila today, August 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM (PST).
Upon their arrival in Manila, government personnel will be on-site to assist the seafarers with post-repatriation services, onward domestic travel assistance, and initial psycho-social support.
