20 Pinoy seafarers safe off India

The Filipino seafarers aboard Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3, which capsized off India, have safely disembarked and are under the care of Indian authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed.

According to DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo de Vega, citing reports from the Filipinos’ licensed manning agency (LMA) on Monday, there were a total of 20 Filipino nationals aboard the vessel.

Of this number, 12 were assisted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), while eight were rescued by the passing merchant vessel MV Han Yi.

Seafarers aboard the vessel come from various regions across the Philippines, including: Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

The LMA added that they are coordinating with appropriate authorities to ensure that the seafarers “receive appropriate medical attention and are provided with essential clothing and humanitarian support as needed.”

According to reports, there were 24 crew aboard, and the vessel issued a distress call at 8:00 (UTC) on Saturday. On Sunday, MSC ELSA 3 completely capsized and is at risk of spilling oil off the coast of Kochi, India.