The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that 21 Filipino seafarers from Ukraine have arrived in Moldova.
The all-Filipino crew of MV S-Breeze were extracted by Philippine Honorary Consul in Moldova Victor Gaina.
The DFA said that Gaina brought a bus to Odessa to evacuate the Filipino seafarers in Chornomosk, Ukraine.
“The Honorary Consul pleaded for everyone to go as this may be the only chance to extract them. However, of the 21 seafarers, only 8 joined him back to Chisinau. The 13 seafarers, including the master, chose to stay with the ship fearing liability and legal action from the shipowner for abandonment of the vessel,” the DFA added in its statement.
Another batch of 13 Filipinos was also extracted last Tuesday.
The M/V S-Breeze, a bulk carrier, has been on drydock for repairs at the Ilyichevsk Ship Yard in Port of Odessa, Ukraine since January 27.
“The Principal Owner has directed the Master and Crew to stay in the vessel’s accommodation where they have enough food and water for 50 days. Fearing for their safety, the seafarers requested to be rescued and repatriated,” the DFA said.
Gaina is now coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Budapest to make arrangements on the repatriation of the seafarers to Manila.
There are now 27 Filipinos in Moldova following the previous six.
