A FILIPINO seafarer who sustained critical injuries in the September 29 attack on the cargo vessel MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden has died, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the seafarer’s passing on X (formerly Twitter), expressing condolences to the victim’s family and assuring them of government support.
“We convey the sad news of the passing of the Filseafarer critically injured during the Sept 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Per the President’s directive, we are providing them with full support and assistance,” Cacdac stated.
The MV Minervagracht, a Netherlands-flagged cargo vessel, was struck by an unidentified projectile and caught fire while sailing approximately 120 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and reports from Reuters.
Rescue teams managed to rescue all 19 crew members, comprising Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan nationals. Among the 12 Filipino crew members on board, two were injured, including the seafarer who has now passed away.
Ten of the Filipino crew members arrived safely in Manila on October 5 and were welcomed by Cacdac and other officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Their repatriation was facilitated through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and the seafarers’ manning agency and its local agent.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously underscored the importance of continued government support for Filipino seafarers facing perilous situations abroad. The DMW has stated that it is coordinating with the deceased seafarer’s family to provide comprehensive assistance, including financial support.
