The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday that the remains of two Filipino seafarers, who tragically lost their lives in a missile attack by the Houthi rebel group, are anticipated to be retrieved soon as their ship approaches Oman.
According to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the bodies of the two deceased Filipinos are still onboard the MV True Confidence, the vessel targeted on March 6 while navigating the Gulf of Aden. The Barbados-flagged bulk carrier is currently being towed to a port in Oman.
De Vega explained, “Today, the ship is being towed because it was set on fire after it was struck by a missile. It is being towed to the Port of Duqm in Oman where the bodies can be recovered. There will be a salvage operation and a search will be made for the remains of the two Filipinos so they can be sent home.”
Fifteen Filipinos were among those onboard the Greek-owned vessel. Fortunately, thirteen Filipino crew members survived the attack and were transported to Djibouti aboard an Indian warship.
As per the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), eleven of the Filipino survivors are scheduled to return to Manila on Tuesday, March 12. “Two are still injured. They are still in the hospital but their condition is improving. They will be able to come home eventually,” de Vega stated.
The DMW confirmed that the two injured Filipinos will be repatriated to the Philippines as soon as they are medically certified as “fit for travel.” The DFA has already issued travel documents to the returning crew members, with their flight arrangements being managed by their shipping and manning agencies.