Manila: Two of the seven Filipino seafarers injured in a drone attack on the Malta-flagged container vessel MV San Antonio at the Strait of Hormuz on May 5 have recovered and are returning to the Philippines. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac made this announcement during a media briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Friday, stating that the two seafarers were deemed fit to travel and would be arriving home that day.

According to Philippines News Agency, the five remaining Filipino crew members who were also injured in the drone attack are currently safe and recuperating at a hospital in Oman. Cacdac assured that these crew members are in stable condition, with two of them being airlifted to another hospital for further treatment. "This is just for purposes of further treatment," he explained, emphasizing that the situation is not life-threatening for any of the crew.

Cacdac provided updates on the condition of one crew member who initially suffered the most severe injuries. The seafarer, who was previously intubated, has now been extubated and is recovering well in the ICU. Doctors are optimistic that he will soon be transferred to a regular ward. Meanwhile, the other two seafarers are recovering outside the ICU and are expected to be declared fit to travel once fully recovered.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has been in contact with the families of the injured seafarers, who were flown to Manila earlier this week for meetings and updates on their relatives' conditions. "Some family members will visit them in the hospital, it's called compassionate visit," Cacdac noted, indicating that arrangements are being made for family members to visit the hospitalized crew in Oman.

During the briefing, Cacdac expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for their medical care and assistance to the injured Filipino seafarers. He also reassured that despite their hospitalization, all seven injured seafarers continue to receive their salaries and family allotments under their contracts. Cacdac expressed hope that all the Filipino seafarers would eventually return home and receive support from the government.