By Marita Moaje
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.
“We convey the sad news of the passing of the Fil. seafarer critically injured during the Sept. 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Per the President’s directive, we are providing them with full support and assistance,” the post reads.
Following the President’s instructions, 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 to the PNA on Wednesday, Cacdac said he 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.”
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them as they face this unimaginable loss, and we will continue to offer all possible support during this difficult time,” Spliethoff message reads.
“The events of last week have left a profound impact on everyone at Spliethoff. Today’s news has deeply saddened everyone at the company, as we mourn the loss of a respected and valued seafarer,” it added.
Cacdac said the Filipino was initially declared stable, “but his burns took the turn for the worse.”
The firm said the other Filipino crew member injured during the Houthi attack remained under medical care at a hospital in Djibouti, adding that his condition is stable, and he is expected to return to the country later this week.
MV Minervagracht had 19 crew members onboard when it was hit by an unidentified explosive while navigating the Gulf of Aden.
Of the 19 crew members, 12 were 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. (PNA)
