25 March 2004 – Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael E. Seguis today said that the Department has
 mobilized two of its embassies in The Gulf area to assist the Filipinos who were part of the 25-member
 multi-national crew of the Everton which was involved in a collision with another vessel in the seas south
 of Oman.

 “Of the 24 survivors, eight crewmembers were brought to Oman while 16 where brought to Dubai by a
 Dubai-bound ship that helped in rescuing the crew.  Both our embassies in Oman and the United Arab
 Emirates are currently assisting our Filipino seamen. All the survivors are receiving proper medical
 attention.  We will give them all the necessary assistance, including their early return to the
 Philippines,” the Acting Secretary said.

 He added that the Philippine government is working with the manning agencies and the ship owners to
 ensure that all proper wages and benefits are given to the seamen.

 Acting Secretary Seguis declined to identify the Filipino seamen until their families are notified.

 The Acting Secretary also declined to confirm if the one missing seaman is a Filipino.  He did say that
 rescue operations are continuing. “We will make an announcement on the missing seaman at the proper
 time,” he added. END.