2 Filipino seafarers killed, 12 hurt in Black Sea drone attacks

2 Filipino seafarers killed, 12 hurt in Black Sea drone attacks
Dexter Cabalza - July 20, 2026 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/331599/2-filipino-seafarers-killed-12-...

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino seafarers were killed in recent drone strikes on ships operating in the northern Black Sea, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Twelve other Filipino seafarers were injured and another remains missing.

“Efforts remain ongoing for the recovery and repatriation of the deceased two and the missing crew members,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a press briefing on Monday.

The first fatality was killed during a July 6 attack. Cacdac said the DMW has already communicated with the family of the victim, and the government is already arranging for the repatriation of his body.

The second Filipino seafarer was killed on July 19, with the DMW in the process of reaching out to the family within the day.

Cacadac assured government assistance would be provided to the families of the two casualties.

According to Cacdac, as of July 20, nine ships carrying Filipino 139 seafarers have been damaged after they were attacked while transiting the northern part of Black Sea.

The DMW said it had monitored the “significant escalation of security incidents” for these last two weeks, affecting commercial vessels operating within the Black Sea.

The attacks, carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, have largely targeted bulk carriers and oil tankers around the ports and anchorages in southern Ukraine, which is now in its fifth year of war with Russia.
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Meanwhile, of the 12 injured Filipino seafarers, four have already been repatriated.

Cacdac said the eight other wounded were currently at an undisclosed location undergoing medical treatment and psychological support.

The remaining 124 seafarers are “safe and unharmed.”

“Evacuation and repatriation arrangements are being facilitated for the crew members, and those requiring immediate assistance,” Cacdac said.

“The DMW, as well as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa), have been monitoring the situation in the Black Sea, and closely coordinating with the licensed manning agencies and ship principals and owners to ensure the safety and welfare of affected Filipino seafarers,” he added.

Cacdac said the DMW is currently looking into the possible liabilities of ship owners and manning agencies for violating protocols in conducting operations in warlike and high-risk areas such as in the Black Sea and Ukraine.

“They have to account for proper reporting and if they perform all the necessary protocols to protect our seafarers,” he added.

Cacdac warned that the licenses of the foreign principal and local manning agencies of these Filipino seafarers may be suspended.

The DMW on July 8 issued Advisory No. 41, series of 2026, amending the list of warlike and high-risk areas identified by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).

All ports of Ukraine are considered a warlike operations area, while the Black Sea is designated as a high-risk area.

The DWM urged principals and manning agencies to avoid or divert all voyages in these high-risk and war-like areas.

According to Cacdac, seafarers have the right to refuse sailing with corresponding documentation, or documentation of the seafarer’s consent to sailing when there is a continued voyage to high-risk and warlike areas.

There should also be no discrimination on any seafarer for future employment, as well as repatriation at the company’s cost and compensation for those who refused to sail to high-risk and warlike areas.

The DMW also mandates bonus pay and proper compensation, as well as free repatriation for seafarers who will consent to sailing to these areas. /dl