22 Filipino seafarers return safely after missile hits vessel in Ukraine

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 02, 2026

Photo courtesy: Department of Migrant Workers

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-two Filipino seafarers are back in the Philippines after their ship was hit by a missile while docked at a port in Ukraine.

The crew arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday, August 30, aboard a Turkish Airlines flight. Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the airport medical team welcomed them upon arrival.

The Filipinos were working aboard the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier M/V Antonia S.

The vessel was hit by a missile on August 19 while berthed at the port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine, near the Black Sea.

After the attack, local authorities moved the crew to a designated shelter inside the port.

The seafarers stayed there while officials arranged their temporary accommodation and return to the Philippines.

The Filipino captain said a foreign security officer aboard the ship warned the crew about the incoming attack. The warning gave them time to take safety precautions before the missile struck.

The returning seafarers also received financial assistance from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund under the government’s UPLIFT initiative.

They will undergo medical and psychological assessments through their licensed manning agency following the incident.

DMW Assistant Secretary Augusto San Diego III also reminded Filipino seafarers that they have the right to refuse to sail when conditions pose a serious threat to their safety.

The DMW urged manning agencies and shipping principals to closely monitor Filipino crew members working in high-risk and conflict-affected areas.

DMW gives aid to 92 distressed OFWs

In a separate activity on National Heroes Day, the DMW provided financial assistance to 92 distressed overseas Filipino workers during its “Parangal sa Bagong Bayani ng Mundo” gathering.

Of the beneficiaries, 86 received PHP50,000 each, while six OFWs who needed medical assistance received PHP75,000 each.

The DMW distributed a total of PHP4.75 million in assistance under the AKSYON Fund.