‍MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-two Filipino seafarers have safely returned to the Philippines after their vessel was hit by a missile while docked at a port in Ukraine.

The Filipino crew arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday, August 30, aboard Turkish Airlines Flight TK084. They were welcomed by officials from the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Manila International Airport Authority medical team.

The seafarers were serving aboard the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier M/V Antonia S when the vessel was struck by a missile on August 19 while berthed at Chornomorsk Port in Ukraine.

Following the attack, local authorities evacuated the crew to a designated shelter within the port, where they remained safe while arrangements were made for their temporary accommodation and repatriation.

The ship’s Filipino captain also credited a foreign security officer aboard the vessel for warning the crew of the incoming attack, giving them time to move to a safer area and take precautionary measures before the missile struck.

Upon their return, the seafarers received financial assistance through the DMW’s AKSYON Fund for their immediate needs.

They will also undergo medical and psychological assessments arranged by their licensed manning agency to address their physical and psychosocial needs following the incident.

DMW Assistant Secretary for Sea-Based OFW Concerns Augusto San Diego III urged Filipino seafarers to remain aware of their rights, including the right to refuse to sail when conditions pose a serious threat to their safety.

The DMW has maintained restrictions on the deployment of Filipino seafarers to the northern Black Sea due to continuing security risks from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Separately, the DMW provided financial assistance to 92 distressed overseas Filipino workers during its “Parangal sa Bagong Bayani ng Mundo” gathering for National Heroes Day.

Of the beneficiaries, 86 received ₱50,000 each, while six OFWs requiring medical assistance received ₱75,000 each.

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