Three Ilonggo seafarers are requesting urgent repatriation after enduring a drone attack on their cargo ship in Ukraine. Their families are calling on the government to facilitate their safe return amid ongoing safety concerns.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The families came to our office because they want their relatives to be repatriated. They are now in Romania, but the seafarers fear they are still not safe because of their situation.
Cynthia Dario, Head, Iloilo Provincial Public Employment Service Office
- The MV Inase was attacked while docked at the Port of Pivdennyi on July 18.
- Two crew members were injured, including an able seaman and a second officer.
Cynthia Dario of the Iloilo Provincial Public Employment Service Office confirmed that the families approached her office on Monday for assistance. The three seafarers, hailing from Barangay Ilajas, Barangay Mat-y, and Barangay Ortiz, are among 22 Filipinos on board the vessel.
Following the drone strike, which caused extensive damage to the ship, the MV Inase was relocated to Constanța, Romania, for inspection. However, the crew remains on board as their safety continues to be at risk.
In a social media post, Ram-Ram Cerbo, one of the affected seafarers, expressed his desire for immediate disembarkation, citing severe trauma from the attack. He reported sustaining minor injuries and highlighted the ongoing psychological impact on the crew.
Despite the urgent need for their return, the shipping company, Evalend Shipping Co., has reportedly instructed the crew to remain aboard and continue their journey to Turkey, which involves navigating the hazardous Black Sea.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has rendered the area a high-risk zone for merchant vessels, increasing fears for the safety of those at sea.
Dario reassured families that the provincial government is working closely with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to expedite repatriation efforts.