Nine Filipino seafarers aboard the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier M/V Rostrum Optima arrived safely in Manila today via Turkish Airlines Flight TK084 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, following their successful repatriation from Türkiye.
The emergency repatriation was prompted by a drone strike that hit the vessel as it entered the Port of Taman in Russia. Following the attack, the ship sailed to Istanbul, Türkiye, for ongoing repairs. During an official mission to the area, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally boarded the vessel to check on the crew’s condition and welfare.
Upon landing at NAIA, the repatriates were warmly welcomed by DMW OIC-Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concerns Augusto San Diego III, alongside representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the MIAA Medical Team, who conducted immediate health assessments.
Reflecting on the safe return of the crew, OIC-Assistant Secretary San Diego stated: “Ang ligtas na inyong pagbabalik ay biyayang kaloob ng ating Panginoon. Let us celebrate your second life, dahil hindi lahat ng ating sinasalubong ay buhay; ang iba ay sinasalubong na natin na nakaratay. Let us continue to pray for our seafarers who risked their lives in the line of duty. Manalangin tayo na sana ay matapos na ang kaguluhang nakaaapekto sa ligtas at mapayapang paglalayag ng mga barkong may sakay na Pilipinong mandaragat.”
One of the returning crew members also shared a reminder for his colleagues: “Laging mag-ingat tayong lahat na mga seafarers at pahalagahan natin ang ating kaligtasan.”
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s UPLIFT Program, the DMW provided immediate financial and on-ground assistance through its AKSYON Fund. Additional welfare support was extended by OWWA, while representatives from the deploying manning agency, Hanseatic Shipping Phils., Inc., were also present to offer further aid and support.
To ensure their full recovery, the DMW and OWWA have directed the manning agency to facilitate comprehensive physical and psychological evaluations, along with appropriate debriefing sessions. The agency has also been strictly reminded to expedite all applicable benefits and compensation due to the seafarers.
In compliance with directives from President Marcos Jr., the DMW reiterates its strong reminder to all licensed manning agencies and accredited principals. Stakeholders must strictly observe required safety precautions and established protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers operating in or transiting through the Black Sea and other regions impacted by armed conflict.
