MIGRANT Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac has assured the eight Filipino crew members of MV Solong of the government’s full support and assistance following their safe return to the Philippines, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Filipino seafarers were among the crew of MV Solong, a container vessel that collided with the oil tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea on March 10, 2025, off the northeast coast of England.
All eight seafarers were safely repatriated on March 18, 2025, through the coordinated efforts of their licensed manning agency, their vessel’s principal, the Philippine Embassy in London, and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the UK capital. Upon arrival, they each received financial assistance from both the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“We remain fully committed to providing all necessary assistance to the affected seafarers and their families, as directed by President Marcos,” said Cacdac.
However, one Filipino seafarer from MV Solong remains missing. An official investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, being led by UK authorities in collaboration with the flag states of the two vessels.
The DMW assured the public that it is closely monitoring developments and is in continuous coordination with international authorities to ensure that the missing seafarer is located and that accountability is established.
