20 Pinoy seafarers await repatriation from India
The Liberian-flagged container ship MSC ELSA 3, which capsized off the coast of India, is seen still tilted to its side. Twelve of the crew members were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard while the other eight were assisted by a passing merchant vessel MV Han Yi.
Photo Courtesy of AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
At least 20 Filipino seafarers are awaiting repatriation in India after their cargo ship, M/V MSC Elsa 3, sank off the coast of Kochi on 24 May the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Thursday.
In a statement, the DMW confirmed that the seafarers are currently staying in a hotel in Kochi and 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 said.
The DMW said it has requested temporary travel documents from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi to expedite the seafarers’ return home, as they were unable to recover their belongings from the sunken vessel.
A definite timeline for their repatriation has not been announced, as Indian authorities continue their investigation into the sinking.
The vessel, carrying a total of 24 crew members, sent a distress signal on 25 May 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 rescued by the Indian Coast Guard, while another eight were rescued by a passing merchant vessel, MV Yan Hi.