DMW: Filipino seafarer hurt from Russian missile attack repatriated

The Filipino seafarer whose hand was fractured when a Russian missile hit their vessel in the Black Sea has gone back to the Philippines, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said Sunday.

In a photo posted by Cacdac on X (formerly Twitter), the seafarer’s left hand was seen wrapped in a cast as he arrived at the airport.

He was welcomed by officials from the DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Cacdac said both DMW and OWWA will provide the seafarer with post-arrival assistance.

Earlier this month, a Russian missile damaged a Liberian-flagged civilian vessel entering a Black Sea port in Odesa region. It was supposed to transport iron ore to China, Ukraine Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said.

Three Filipino crew members were hurt following the incident. An engine trainee had a fracture on his left hand, while the two others — the ship’s captain and third mate — suffered minor injuries.

Cacdac back then said the engine trainee was immediately brought to a hospital and had a “successful” operation. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News