THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is closely monitoring the condition of 39 Filipino seafarers aboard two vessels affected by reported drone attacks near Novorossiysk, Russia.
The DMW confirmed that all 17 Filipino crew members of M/V Anna S are safe following the incident on August 22, 2026.
The 22 Filipino seafarers aboard M/V Elina B, which was attacked after rescuing the crew of M/V Anna S on August 17, were also reported safe and unharmed.
One Filipino crew member from M/V Anna S is currently confined in a hospital in Turkey for a separate medical condition. He is in stable condition and receiving proper medical care.
The shipowner and port team have provided immediate assistance to the affected seafarers. Each of the 17 crew members of M/V Anna S received $300 cash and a mobile phone to keep in touch with their families.
They were also given clothes, shoes, toiletries, medicines and other basic necessities.
The shipowner is now coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Turkey and Turkish authorities to speed up the processing of travel documents and immigration clearances.
The M/V Elina B is currently anchored in the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, where authorities are working to facilitate the crew’s safe disembarkation and eventual repatriation to the Philippines.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac assured that the government remains focused on the safety and welfare of Filipino seafarers caught in the crisis.
“The safety and welfare of our Filipino seafarers remain our foremost concern,” Cacdac said.
He added that the DMW is coordinating with the Migrant Workers Office, Philippine Embassy, shipowner and manning agencies to provide assistance and ensure the seafarers’ safe return home.
Filipino migrant workers experiencing crisis or distress may seek assistance through the DMW AKSYON Fund under the UPLIFT Initiative by contacting the DMW Central Office, DMW Regional Offices or the nearest Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
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