Filipino crew awaits repatriation from India

Twenty Filipino seafarers are awaiting repatriation in India after their cargo ship, M/V MSC Elsa 3, sank off the coast of Kochi on May 24, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In a statement, DMW confirmed the seafarers are currently staying in a local hotel in Kochi while receiving assistance.

“We are in touch with the shipowner, the Filseafarers and their families and have assured them of support and assistance,” DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac added.

Temporary travel documents were also requested from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi to expedite the seafarers’ repatriation since they were unable to retrieve their belongings.

No definite timeline for their repatriation has been announced, as Indian authorities continue their investigation.

The vessel, which carried a total of 24 crew members, sent a distress signal on May 25 before fully capsizing on Sunday.

Citing reports from the Filipino seafarers’ licensed manning agency, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo de Vega said that 12 Filipinos were assisted by the Indian Coast Guard, while eight were rescued by a passing merchant vessel, MV Yan Hi.