17 Pinoy crewmen of missile-hit ship in Ukraine back home

SEVENTEEN of the 25 all-Filipino crew members of the vessel hit by a Russian missile while docked at the port of Pivdennyi in Ukraine are back home, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In a social media post, the DMW said the 17 crew members of the cargo ship Kmax Ruler have safely returned home.

“The crew’s manning agency shouldered the costs of their return to the country as well as transit and accommodations on their way home to their respective provinces,” said the DMW.

It said the seafarers are also due additional insurance and other benefits from their manning and shipping agencies.

The DMW added that all repatriated crew members were provided initial medical check-ups, psychosocial assessments, and an initial amount of P10,000 in financial assistance.

According to the Department, 14 other Filipino seafarers returned home last Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Parañaque City.

The DMW said the first three Filipino seafarers returned home last week and are now reunited with their families.

Last month, the Kmax Ruler was struck by a Russian missile in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Pivdennyi.

A total of three Filipino seafarers were hurt as the Engine Trainee suffered a fracture, while the ship’s captain and third mate sustained minor injuries.