Nine Filipino seafarers from the MV Rostrum Optima have returned safely to the Philippines after their vessel was hit by four consecutive drone strikes while sailing near the Port of Taman in Russia.

The vessel was struck on 18 July 2026, causing fires in several parts of the ship, including the bridge, portside A Deck, main deck and aft station.

The nine seafarers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Friday, aboard Turkish Airlines flight TK084.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), assisted the seafarers upon arrival. The Manila International Airport Authority medical team also conducted health checks.

After airport processing, representatives of their local manning agency took them to temporary accommodation while they awaited medical checkups and flights to their respective destinations.

The repatriation comes as Filipino seafarers continue to face risks from conflicts affecting major shipping routes.

In late July, 15 Filipino seafarers from the MV Arosa and MT Gas Lisbon returned after separate incidents in the Black Sea.

Six other Filipino seafarers aboard the Liberia-flagged M/V Al Bahyah also returned after a maritime security incident in the Strait of Hormuz.

Five were unharmed while one sustained a minor injury. DMW and OWWA provided financial assistance, while the MIAA medical team conducted initial assessments.

The government has also provided broader reintegration assistance to returning overseas Filipino workers, including livelihood support, employment facilitation, counseling and other welfare programs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his July 27 State of the Nation Address that more than 12,000 Filipinos had been repatriated from the Middle East since the conflict erupted, while more than 140,000 OFWs had received food, financial, medical and shelter assistance.

The danger to seafarers has been particularly acute around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route affected by the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Reports have described the waterway as effectively closed after Iran shut the strait following the US-Israeli strikes on 28 February, disrupting commercial shipping.

The passage carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption.

Despite the risks, 81 Filipino seafarers aboard four Philippine-flagged vessels safely transited the strait between 24 June and 1 July, while others returned home.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said evacuation operations were suspended after a temporary US-Iran ceasefire ended, leaving some Filipino seafarers stranded in the region.

OWWA continues to coordinate with concerned agencies to monitor the welfare of the nine returning seafarers and provide assistance as they complete their return home.