DMW says 14 Filipino sailors from Russian missile-hit ship return to PH

Filipino seafarers pose for a photo with officials of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration upon their return to the Philippines. The ship of the Filipino sailors was hit by a Russian missile in Ukraine, according to DMW on November 10, 2023. Photo from DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino seafarers whose ship was hit by a Russian missile in Ukraine have returned home, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Sunday.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac reported via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the 14 Filipino seafarers have made it to the Philippines “safe and sound.” He did not mention in his social media post on Sunday when the sailor arrived in the country.

He said DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration would provide post-arrival assistance to the repatriated seafarers.

14 Filseafarers from the bulk carrier KMAX Ruler are home safe and sound after their ship was hit by a missile in Ukraine last month. @DMWPHL–@OWWAofficial led the airport salubong, and shall provide post-arrival assistance. pic.twitter.com/syOd7Kwre7

— hans leo j. cacdac (@HansLeoCacdac) December 3, 2023

The Filipino sailors were onboard the ship Kmax Ruler when it was hit by a Russian missile on November 10.

The Liberian-flagged vessel was at the port of Pivdennyi near Odessa in Ukraine when it was struck by a missile, killing a Ukrainian pilot and injuring three Filipinos.

Twenty-four crew members, who are all Filipinos, were aboard the ship, according to the government.

One of the injured seafarers returned to the Philippines ahead of the others on November 26. He sustained a fractured left hand from the attack.