𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is monitoring the condition of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) aboard vessels in the Black Sea following reports of drone attacks near Novorossiysk, Russia.

On 22 August 2026, the DMW received confirmation from the shipowner, through the licensed manning agency, that all 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Anna S are safe.

All 22 Filipino crew members of M/V Elina B—who rescued the crew of M/V Anna S on 17 August 2026—are also safe and unharmed.

One crew member from M/V Anna S with a kidney ailment is in a Turkish hospital for treatment. He is in stable condition under the care of a nephrology team.

The shipowner provided immediate assistance to the crew. Each of the 17 mariners from M/V Anna S received USD 300 in cash assistance, a mobile phone to contact their families, clothing, toiletries, medication, and essential supplies.

The shipowner is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Turkey and local authorities to process travel documents and immigration clearances. This will allow the crew to disembark safely from M/V Elina B, currently anchored at the Bosphorus Strait, for their immediate repatriation to the Philippines.

“The safety and welfare of our Filipino seafarers remain our highest priority. We are in continuous coordination with relevant agencies, our Migrant Workers Office, the Philippine Embassy, the shipowner, and manning agencies to ensure their safety, provide assistance, and facilitate their safe disembarkation and repatriation. We will continue to monitor the situation and support our seafarers and their families,” said Secretary Hans Cacdac.