11 Pinoy crew of attacked ship home today

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday said that 11 Filipino crew members of the ship True Confidence that came under a missile attack by Houthi rebels are expected to arrive home today, March 12.

«We are preparing a fitting welcome for our brave seafarers upon their arrival,» Migrant Workers Officer in Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said.

One of the crewmen suffered minor injuries during the emergency evacuation of the burning ship. The DMW said he was cleared by medical authorities as «fit for travel.»

In a statement issued Monday, the DMW said two other wounded Filipino crewmen remain in a hospital in Djibouti City.

They were reported to be in stable condition and will be repatriated as soon as they are medically fit for travel.

Last week, the Liberian-owned, Barbados-flagged ship was hit by a missile as it was steaming in the Gulf of Aden, setting it afire.

Three of the crew, including two Filipinos, were killed.

The DMW said the remains of three slain crew members were still being recovered from the burned ship.

«We pray for the success of the salvaging operation so that the remains of our two fallen seafarers can be repatriated, as we continue to express our condolences and prayers to their families,» Cacdac said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs issued the travel documents to the returning crew members, while flight arrangements are being handled by their shipping and manning agencies.