Search and rescue efforts for 10 missing Filipino crew of ill-fated Korean vessel ongoing — DFA

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MANILA –- Search and rescue efforts for the 10 missing Filipino crew of a South Korean vessel that sank off the Bering Sea in Russia are ongoing, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday, adding that the three other Philippine sailors who were rescued earlier are safe.

“Search is being conducted without let-up despite the poor weather condition that continue to hamper operations,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing.

The 13 Filipinos are among the ill-fated Orion-501’s crew that include 35 Indonesians, 11 South Koreans and one Russian.

Three Filipinos identified by the DFA as Rowell Aljecera, Micol Sabay and Teddy Parangue Jr. were rescued by two Russian ships involved in the search operations.

Jose said Aljecera was onboard the Zalive Zabiyaka while Sabay and Parangue were on the Karolina-77.

“They are being attended to and being given proper medical attention,” he said, adding that they will stay on board the Russian ships while search and rescue operations are being conducted.

Jose also said that South Korea’s Foreign Minister spoke to DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario by phone to assure the Philippine government that all efforts are being done to search for all the missing crew.

Philippine officials in Moscow were also dispatch to the coastal area’s rescue center, while Manila’s honorary Consul General in Valdivostok was instructed to assist the survivors and monitor the fate of the missing Filipinos.

The Philippine government, Jose added, stands ready to assist the rescued Filipinos if they wish to return to the Philippines