The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday welcomed 15 rescued Filipino seafarers from the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay, which capsized on 22 January north of Bajo de Masinloc.

The DMW said the 15 rescued seafarers are generally in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the remains of two crew members were also received by the DMW-OWWA team and the licensed manning agency.

Four crew members are still missing, and the Philippine Coast Guard assured that search and rescue operations are ongoing, ensuring all crew members are accounted for and families are assisted.

DMW officials, including Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina and Director Augusto San Diego, and OWWA Deputy Administrator Rosanne Catapang, greeted the survivors aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua, in coordination with Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and provided immediate support and aid.

China joins retrieval

The vessel, transporting iron ore from Zamboanga del Norte to China, reportedly capsized about 141 nautical miles west of Pangasinan. Chinese authorities also launched a joint rescue effort near Scarborough Shoal, deploying military aircraft and Coast Guard ships to assist.

The DMW thanked the Philippine Coast Guard for the safe transport of the seafarers and will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to safeguard the welfare of seafarers and their families.