The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is racing to confirm whether Filipino seafarers were among those hurt after a Dutch-flagged cargo ship, Minervagracht, was attacked in the Gulf of Aden.
In a statement posted on social media, the DMW said:
“Agad pong nakikipag-ugnayan ang DMW sa ship operator, employer, mga manning agency, at sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) kasama ang ating mga konsulado upang beripikahin kung may Pilipino ngang kabilang sa mga apektado.”
The agency assured the public that it is closely coordinating with ship operators, employers, manning agencies, and the DFA to verify the condition of Filipino crew members.
The DMW also vowed full support to affected seafarers and their families—including medical care, repatriation, counseling, psychological support, legal aid, and other necessary assistance.
According to Reuters, the cargo ship’s 19 crew members—Russians, Ukrainians, Filipinos, and Sri Lankans—were evacuated after the vessel was attacked with an explosive device and caught fire.
So far, reports confirm one person was wounded but stable, while another suffered serious injuries and is being rushed to Djibouti in East Africa for treatment.
The DMW said it will release updates as soon as confirmed information is available.
