Thirty-eight Filipino seafarers from M/V Marathi, M/V Minoan Pioneer, M/V Blue, and M/V Nissos Sifnos have been safely brought back to the Philippines after their vessels sustained drone or missile strikes while staying in or transiting the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea.

They arrived in Manila on Friday, 7 August, aboard Qatar Airways flight QR932 and Turkish Airlines flight TK084 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The Filipino crew members were welcomed at the airport and immediately assisted by representatives of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) sea-based team, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) medical team.

All 38 were provided airport and financial assistance by DMW and OWWA, while the MIAA medical team conducted initial medical checks.

Representatives of the manning agencies Sea Gate Navigation Corporation, Intercrew Philippines Agency, Inc., and Bright Maritime Corporation also met the arriving crew.

“It is important that the manning agencies arrange the necessary physical and psychological checks, debriefing sessions, and applicable benefits and compensation for the repatriated seafarers,” said the DMW Sea-based personnel.

Since 7 July 2026, DMW has monitored the repatriation of 218 seafarers from vessels attacked in the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea.

The DMW reminded licensed manning agencies and their accredited principals to observe required safety precautions and comply with established protocols for vessels carrying Filipino seafarers through the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, the DMW thanked the Romanian Agency for Saving Human Lives at Sea (ARSVOM) for its rescue operation involving the LPG tanker Gas Lisbon in the Black Sea.

Nine Filipino seafarers were aboard the vessel, eight of whom have returned home, and one Filipino seafarer was lost in the incident.

In a letter to ARSVOM, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac recognized the Romanian rescuers for their response to the maritime emergency.

“Your swift and selfless response in the face of danger gave hope amid tragedy and reflected the enduring spirit of international maritime solidarity,” Cacdac said.

He also emphasized the importance of safely returning seafarers home to their families.

“For the Philippines, every seafarer who returns home safely is a blessing shared by families, communities, and nations,” Cacdac said.

The DMW also mourned the Filipino seafarer’s loss and expressed gratitude to ARSVOM for helping save lives during the incident. The rescue marked the agency’s first engagement with ARSVOM, and both sides shared an interest in maritime safety, emergency preparedness, and seafarer welfare.

The eight surviving Filipino seafarers have since returned home to their families.