Thirteen Filipino seafarers caught in separate high-risk maritime incidents in the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz safely returned to Manila on August 25 and 26, 2026.
The successful repatriation was orchestrated through the joint efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team, alongside their respective manning agencies.
-
M/V Fehu (Arrived August 25): Nine Filipino crew members of the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier—which was struck by a drone off Novorossiysk, Russia—arrived home safely aboard Turkish Airlines flight TK084.
-
M/V MSC Francesca (Arrived August 26): Four Filipino crew members of the Panama-flagged container ship arrived aboard Emirates flight EK330. Their crew had been detained by Iranian authorities since April 22, 2026, following a gunfire incident in the Strait of Hormuz.
-
Comprehensive Support: Upon arrival, all 13 seafarers received immediate financial and airport assistance from the DMW and OWWA, alongside medical check-ups by the MIAA Medical Team.
-
Reintegration & Welfare: Manning agencies (Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Phils., Inc. and Elburg Ship Management Phils., Inc.) assisted the returns. The DMW and OWWA have mandated thorough physical and psychological debriefings, alongside the fulfillment of all due benefits and compensation.
Acting under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the government’s UPLIFT initiative, the DMW has issued a strong reminder to all licensed manning agencies and principals. They must continuously monitor deployed crews and strictly enforce safety protocols for vessels operating in designated high-risk zones, such as the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
