Overview
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that all 12 Filipino seafarers aboard the Dutch-flagged cargo vessel Minervagracht are safe following a missile attack in the Gulf of Aden on Monday, Sept. 29. The incident, which also involved crew members from Russia, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka, prompted immediate safety measures and a coordinated response from Philippine authorities.
What happened and the current status
Initial reports indicate that the missile strike caused a fire on the vessel, with two seafarers sustaining injuries. The 12 Filipino crew members were moved to a secure location along with other nationalities on board as part of the ship’s emergency procedures and evacuation protocol. Among the Filipino group, one crew member sustained minor injuries while another suffered more serious injuries that are non-life-threatening. Ten Filipino crew members, including those with minor injuries, are out of danger and are anticipated to return home in the near future.
Government response and coordination
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the department immediately coordinated with the ship’s management, the Minervagracht, after learning of the incident. The aim has been to ensure safe transfer, proper medical care, and orderly repatriation for all affected seafarers. Philippine authorities have also been working closely with international crews on board to monitor the safety situation and to keep families informed as the operation unfolds.
Health status and medical care
Two Filipino crew members are under medical care: one with a minor injury and another with a more serious but non-life-threatening condition. Medical teams are providing ongoing evaluation and treatment where needed, and the DMW is coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure comprehensive medical check-ups upon return to the Philippines.
Repatriation plans and timing
According to Cacdac, the ten safe crew members will be transferred for their scheduled flights home this weekend. The government is arranging the logistics to ensure a smooth and secure repatriation process, with the shipowners overseeing the transfer under established safety standards. Families of the seafarers have already been informed and are receiving support throughout the process.
Support for families and long-term welfare
Beyond immediate medical care, the DSWD will provide financial aid and psychosocial counseling to the affected seafarers, while DOH will conduct medical check-ups upon arrival. The DMW emphasized that it will monitor the situation closely and coordinate with all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of the crew and to ensure a safe return home for those affected.
What happens next
As repatriation proceeds, Philippine authorities will continue to liaise with shipowners, insurers, and foreign counterparts to ensure transparency and safety. The incident underscores the continued risk seafarers face in certain maritime corridors, but the swift response and clear protocols aim to minimize harm and speed up the return of Filipino workers to their families.
About the DMW and Philippines’ response
The DMW reiterates its commitment to safeguarding Filipino migrant workers, providing medical and psychosocial support, and coordinating repatriation in cases of crisis at sea. The department’s ongoing engagement with shipowners, health agencies, and welfare organizations demonstrates a comprehensive approach to protecting seafarers amid challenging conditions on international waters.
