THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Saturday that a third Filipino seafarer has died amid hostilities in the Black Sea involving Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac made the announcement during a news forum in Quezon City, noting that the latest fatality brings the total number of Filipino casualties to three. “I am reporting that there is one more who died. So three of our countrymen have already died in the northern Black Sea attacks,” Cacdac stated.
A total of 236 Filipino seafarers aboard 17 vessels have been affected by the conflict so far. Aside from the three fatalities, 15 others were injured and one remains missing, while 217 have been accounted for and declared safe. Just last week, the DMW reported two deaths and 12 injuries following drone attacks in southern Ukraine—the first seafarer was killed on July 6 and the second on July 19. The exact date of the third fatality has yet to be confirmed.
Cacdac said he has personally visited the families of the deceased to convey the government’s condolences and extend immediate assistance. Repatriation efforts are ongoing: 89 of the affected seafarers, including nine of the injured, have already been brought home to the Philippines. The rest remain in Ukraine, Romania, Greece, and Turkey as authorities coordinate their safe return.
The DMW has also issued a formal advisory to manning agencies and ship owners, directing that all seafarers aboard vessels hit by attacks be prioritized for repatriation. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with international partners to ensure the safety and welfare of all Filipino mariners in the area.
metrosundaily
