Pinoys onboard tanker in mishap

Forty Filipino seafarers were aboard a Panama-flagged bulk carrier when it collided with a Chinese fishing vessel near the Singapore Strait on 17 September, with Philippine authorities saying no injuries among the Filipino crew had been reported.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it had identified all 40 Filipino crew members aboard the First Margaux, a bulk carrier about 750 feet long, and was coordinating with their families and the vessel’s manning agency.

“Rest assured, we have identified all 40 Filipino seafarers by name, and we are reaching out to all of their families as we confirm their current status. But as of this stage, there have been no reports that anyone has been injured,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

The collision involved the much smaller Chinese fishing vessel, which was seen in video footage taking on water and nearly tipping onto its side as crew members scrambled to hold on to the railings.

No injuries were reported, according to the DMW.

It remains unclear whether any Filipino seafarers were aboard the Chinese vessel. Video footage from the fishing boat appeared to capture a person speaking in Ilokano, but the DMW has yet to confirm the identity or nationality of anyone aboard.

The agency said it was coordinating with the manning agency of the Filipino crew and maritime authorities of the countries involved.