Manila, Philippines – The remains of the Filipino seafarer who died in the attack by Houthi militants on the Dutch-flagged cargo vessel MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden on September 29 have arrived in the country.
The Filipino, who sustained serious injuries in the attack, was reported died on October 8.
His family members welcomed his remains in Pasay City on Sunday.
Representatives of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the manning agency also welcomed the remains of the Filipino seafarer as a sign of solidarity with the family and to pay their respects to the OFW.
According to the relatives of the deceased Filipino, his remains will be taken to Iligan City, his wife’s hometown, before being taken to his home province in Zamboanga del Sur.
The ten crew members of the Minervagracht were previously repatriated on October 4.
The DMW prohibits licensed manning agencies and their principals or shipowners from sailing through considered high-risk areas such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
This is to protect the safety and welfare of Filipino crew members.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News