Manila: Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured full government assistance to the family of the Filipino crew member who died from critical injuries sustained during the attack on MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden on Sept. 29. Cacdac said the order was directly given by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as he confirmed the death of the Filipino seafarer in a social media post Tuesday evening.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac is ensuring the delivery of all benefits and entitlements due the seafarer under his employment contract, including health, financial, livelihood, and psychosocial support for his family. In a message on Wednesday, Cacdac mentioned that he had just landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, en route to Djibouti with the wife and sister of the deceased seafarer.
In a separate post on Monday, Dutch shipping firm Spliethoff, owner of the Minervagracht, also expressed sorrow over the death "of one of our valued crew members of the motor vessel." Spliethoff extended its deepest sympathies to the family, assuring continued support during this difficult time. The company said the incident had left a profound impact on everyone at Spliethoff, as they mourn the loss of a respected and valued seafarer.
Cacdac added that the Filipino was initially declared stable, but his burns worsened. Meanwhile, another Filipino crew member injured during the Houthi attack remains under medical care in Djibouti. His condition is stable, and he is expected to return to the Philippines later this week.
The MV Minervagracht had 19 crew members onboard when it was hit by an unidentified explosive in the Gulf of Aden, including 12 Filipinos. On Oct. 4, 10 crew members of the Dutch cargo ship safely arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The repatriated crew received financial assistance from the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. They also received training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and accommodation support from their licensed manning agency.
