THE Department of Foreign Affairs confirms the safe arrival in the Republic of Moldova of 21 Filipino seafarers who make up the all-Filipino crew of MV S-Breeze, from Chornomosk, Ukraine through the assistance of Philippine Honorary Consul in Moldova Victor Gaina, in close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Budapest headed by Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca and the Philippine Consulate in Chisinau. The seafarers arrived in Moldova in two batches, on 27 February and 01 March 2022, respectively.
The M/V S-Breeze, a bulk carrier, has been in drydock for repairs at the Ilyichevsk Ship Yard in the Port of Odessa, Ukraine since 27 January 2022. The crew had been staying in the vessel’s accommodations with enough provisions but requested repatriation due to the worsening conflict.
There are now 27 Filipinos who have been evacuated from Ukraine to Moldova. Both the Philippine Embassy in Budapest and the PH Consulate in Chisinau assured that they will arrange the repatriation of the seafarers to Manila at the soonest possible time.
Filipinos who need repatriation assistance near the Moldova and Romania borders are advised to contact the Philippine Embassy in Budapest through the following:
Hungary
Budapest PE emergency hotline
+36 30 202 1760
ATN Officer Claro Cabuniag
+36 30 074 5656 (mobile)
+63 966 340 4725 (viber)
Moldova
Honorary Consul Victor Gaina
Mobile number (also WhatsApp no.(sad) +37369870870 or email addresses: victor.gaina@phconsulate.md or consul@phconsulate.md
