2 Filipino seafarers killed in Black Sea drone attacks

The Department of Migrant Workers says one other Filipino seafarer is missing, while 12 were injured

MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipino seafarers aboard commercial vessels were killed by drone strikes in the Black Sea, near Ukraine, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Monday, July 20.

The first seafarer died in a July 6 attack, while the second died on Sunday, July 19. The DMW has already spoken to the family of the former, while it is still reaching out to the latter’s family.

In a press briefing on Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac pledged to assist the families and arrange for the repatriation of the seafarers’ remains.

According to Cacdac, nine ships carrying a total of 139 Filipino seafarers have recently been attacked, “primarily through drone strikes” while transiting in Ukraine and Russia.

One other Filipino seafarer is missing, while 12 were injured. Four of the injured seafarers have already been repatriated, while the remaining eight are still undergoing treatment.

The DMW, as well as the International Bargaining Forum, designated the northern Black Sea region as a high-risk and warlike area for commercial vessels due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The DMW, along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is coordinating with licensed manning agencies and shipowners to ensure the safety of seafarers.

They are also facilitating the medical treatment, psychological support, evacuation, and repatriation of all affected Filipino workers.

“We shall continue, per directive of the President, to continue to closely monitor the developments in the area and consider the adoption of additional protective measures to safeguard Filipino seafarers deployed on vessels that are within the Black Sea,” Cacdac said. – Rappler.com