12 May 2006, Pretoria, South Africa – Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. (center, seated) of the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa  meets with the six Filipino seafarers who survived the sinking of their cargo ship the “MV Alexandros T”.  The six Filipino survivors are (standing, L-R) 4th Engineer Allan O. Omol, Bosun Aljess F. Miranda, Deck Boy Lee M. Alemania, Deck Boy Elizer B. Paulino, Deck Cadet Reantonio L. Vergara and Engine Boy Sherie R. Montano.  Their  Romanian crewmate, Electrician Liviu Baluta (seated, 1st, L), also survived the ship accident and was also preparing to take his return flight to Bucharest.  Ambassador Reyes led Embassy officials in sending off on 11 May 2006 the Filipino seafarers at the Johannesburg International Airport for their flight to Manila. The OFWs are scheduled to arrive at NAIA on 12 May 2006, at 8:20 p.m., aboard IK334.  Ambassador Reyes was accompanied by Capt. German M. Mendez (2nd L, seated), Crewing Manager of the manning agency Inter-Orient Maritime Enterprises; Embassy Administrative Officer Helen R. Firme-Subido (4th L, seated ) and ATN Officer Atty. Eduardo M. Vinuya, Jr. (5th L, seated).
 

/bjg