DMW: 20 Filipino seafarers of sunken cargo ship all safe

The Department of Migrant Workers said all 20 Filipino seafarers are safe following the sinking of the cargo ship in India.

MANILA, Philippines — The 20 Filipino seafarers aboard M/V MSC Elsa — a cargo ship that sank off the coast of Kochi, Kerala in India — are all safe and awaiting repatriation.

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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the matter in a statement on Wednesday evening, saying that the seafarers are now in “constant communication with their families for emotional support while awaiting for their repatriation.”

According to DMW, the seafarers are staying at a local hotel in Kochi at present, adding that they are receiving assistance from the representatives of the principal based in India.

“They will remain there for the next few days as relevant authorities continue their investigation into the incident, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken before their repatriation,” said DMW.

“To expedite their repatriation, the principal in India has requested the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi to issue temporary travel documents for the seafarers, as their passports and Seafarer Registration Cards remain aboard the vessel. The DMW is coordinating with the Office of Migration Affairs (OMA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs to fast-track this process,” it added.

The Liberian-flagged cargo ship M/V MSC Elsa 3 reportedly capsized off the coast of the port city of Kochi, Kerala, India on May 24./mr