39 Filipino seafarers safe after Black Sea drone attacks

39 Filipino seafarers safe after Black Sea drone attacks
24 Aug 2026 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/335756/39-filipino-seafarers-safe-afte...

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said 39 Filipino seafarers aboard two vessels involved in recent incidents in the Black Sea are safe following reported drone attacks near Novorossiysk, Russia.

The DMW said it received confirmation on Aug. 22 from the principal or shipowner, through its licensed manning agency, that all 17 Filipino crew members of the M/V Anna S were safe.

The 22 Filipino crew members of the M/V Elina B, which came under attack after rescuing the crew of the M/V Anna S on Aug. 17, were also confirmed safe and unharmed, according to the DMW.

One Filipino seafarer from the M/V Anna S is currently receiving medical care in a hospital in Turkey for a separate medical concern. The seafarer remains in stable condition, the agency said.
Shipowner provides assistance

The DMW said the principal or shipowner and its port team provided immediate assistance to the affected crew.

Each of the 17 Filipino seafarers from the M/V Anna S received $300 in cash and a mobile phone to communicate with their families. They were also provided with clothing, footwear, toiletries, medications and other essential supplies.

Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the crew of the M/V Elina B to leave the vessel, which is currently anchored in the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey.

The shipowner is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Turkey and Turkish authorities to expedite the processing of the crew’s travel documents and immigration clearances, the DMW said.

“The safety and welfare of our Filipino seafarers remain our foremost concern. We are closely coordinating with the relevant agencies, our Migrant Workers Office, the Philippine Embassy, the shipowner and the manning agencies to ensure their safety, provide necessary assistance, and facilitate their safe disembarkation and repatriation,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and support our affected seafarers and their families,” he added.

The DMW said it will continue monitoring the condition of Filipino seafarers in the Black Sea following the reported drone attacks.

For OFWs facing crisis or distress, the agency also reminded them that they may seek assistance through the DMW AKSYON Fund, a government support mechanism under the UPLIFT Initiative.

Assistance may be sought through the DMW Central Office, the nearest DMW Regional Office or the nearest Migrant Workers Office. /dl