THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Sunday confirmed the safety of 17 Filipino crew members of a motor vessel in the Black Sea affected by the drone attacks near Novorossiysk, Russia.

The DMW announced that the manning agency of M/V Anna S gave the confirmation on Saturday evening, adding that the seafarers received $300 cash assistance from the shipowner.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and support our affected seafarers and their families,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said in a press statement.

He added that the DMW has been coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Turkey, manning agencies, and the shipowner to ensure the safety of the overseas Filipino workers.

The agency announced that one Filipino crew member of the M/V Anna S in need of medical attention due to kidney ailment has also been admitted to a hospital in Turkey and is in stable condition.

Earlier, the DMW also confirmed the safety of 22 Filipino seafarers aboard the M/V Elina B which was attacked on Aug. 17. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel