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17 Filipino seafarers coming home

Neil Alcober · Aug 21, 2026, 10:51 PM

THE final remaining Filipino crew member of the M/V CMA CGM San Antonio safely returned to the Philippines on Monday, arriving at NAIA Terminal 1 aboard Oman Air Flight WY 843. After being medically discharged and cleared for travel in Oman, the seafarer arrived with his sibling, who assisted him throughout his recovery. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of Department of Migrant Workers

Seventeen Filipino seafarers who survived the MV Minoan Dignity incident off Khasab, Musandam, are set to return to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers said Friday.

The 17 crew members were scheduled to travel from Khasab to Muscat on 20 Aug. for their Emirates Airlines flight to the Philippines the next day. They’re expected to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Manila at 10:10 p.m.

The Philippine Embassy, Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will assist the seafarers at Muscat International Airport to facilitate their departure and repatriation.

Meanwhile, the MWO is coordinating with Omani authorities, the shipowner and its local agent for the earliest possible repatriation of the remains of the Filipino seafarer who died in the incident.

The MWO team, led by Labor Attaché Alice Visperas, traveled to Khasab on 19 August to visit the seafarers, assess their condition and welfare, and hear their concerns.

The team also assured them of continued government assistance and provided cash aid for their immediate needs.