The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is considering legal action against the licensed manning agency of the nine Filipino seafarers aboard the Portuguese-flagged MV Solong.

In a statement on 18 March, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac revealed that reports of negligence by the vessel’s captains were under investigation.

“We are carefully looking into this, and if our legal team finds grounds, we will take appropriate action,” Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, eight of the rescued Filipino seafarers, who have been accommodated in a hotel in Grimsby, London, are expected to return to the Philippines this week.

The MV Solong collided with the US-flagged chemical tanker Sterna on 10 March. According to the DMW, the missing seafarer was last seen on the ship's bow, the area that caught fire after the explosion.

Cacdac has maintained contact with the family of the missing Filipino seafarer. The DMW has refrained from releasing further updates on the search in respect of the family’s request for privacy.

Upon their return, each seafarer will receive financial assistance of P75,000, in addition to the aid provided by other government agencies, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.