Manila: Two Filipino seafarers have been killed, 12 were injured, and one remains missing after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea amid heightened tension due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In a media briefing on Monday, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the department has monitored a "significant escalation of security incidents" over the past two weeks involving commercial ships operating in the Black Sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac noted that there are commercial vessels with Filipino seafarers operating within the Black Sea, which is recognized as a high-risk and warlike area by both the International Bargaining Forum and DMW Advisory 41 Series of 2026. The advisory specifically designates the northern Black Sea region as particularly hazardous.
Cacdac reported that as of July 20, nine ships carrying approximately 139 Filipino seafarers have been attacked, primarily through drone strikes, while transiting or berthed at ports in Ukraine and Russia. Of these, 124 seafarers have been confirmed safe and unharmed, but sadly, two fatalities have occurred, with 12 individuals injured and one missing.
Most of the affected ships were bulk carriers and oil product tankers that sustained damage while alongside ports, at anchorage, or shortly after their departure. The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are actively coordinating with licensed manning agencies and ship owners to provide assistance to the affected seafarers.
Among the injured Filipino crew members, four have been repatriated back to the Philippines, while eight remain in an undisclosed location, receiving essential medical treatment and psychological support. Evacuation and repatriation arrangements are being facilitated for those requiring immediate assistance.
The first fatality occurred during an attack on July 6, and the DMW has already coordinated with the family, arranging for the repatriation of the seafarer's remains. The second fatality took place recently on Sunday, with efforts underway to reach out to the family and provide them with full assistance.
The department has reiterated its advisory for vessels operating in high-risk and war-like areas, urging ship owners to avoid or reroute voyages whenever possible and to ensure that Filipino seafarers are informed of their right to refuse deployment before sailing. Seafarers who refuse deployment are entitled to proper compensation, free repatriation, and protection against discrimination in future employment.
The DMW is also reviewing compliance by manning agencies and ship owners with reporting requirements and safety protocols before deploying Filipino crew members to the Black Sea. Authorities are determining whether companies observed the required safety measures, as there are allegations of one vessel failing to report its passage through a high-risk area.
