12 May 2006 — Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. of the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the six Filipino seafarers, who were rescued when their cargo ship “MV Alexandros T” sank in international waters on 3 May 2006, are arriving in Manila at 8:20 p.m. today on board Emirates Airways flight EK334.

Ambassador Reyes led Embassy officials in sending off on 11 May 2006 at the Johannesburg International Airport the six OFWs, namely 4th Engineer Allan O. Omol, Bosun Aljess F. Miranda, Deck Boy Lee M. Alemania, Deck Cadet Reantonio L. Vergara, Deck Boy Elizer B. Paulino, and Engine Boy Sherie R. Montano.    (Please refer to the accompanying photo releases on this subject matter.)

While awaiting for their flight to Manila, the six Filipinos recounted to Ambassador Reyes their experience at sea and expressed their gratitude to the Ambassador and Embassy personnel for the support and assistance that they extended to them while they were in Durban.

Ambassador Reyes assured the OFWs that it was the Embassy’s duty “to extend utmost assistance and support” to them.

The six OFWs arrived in Johannesburg from Durban accompanied by Capt. German M. Mendez, Crewing Manager of manning agency Inter-Orient Maritime Enterprises, Inc.

The “MV Alexandros T,” a Greek-owned bulk carrier registered under Saint Vincent and the Grenadine, sank at 11:00 p.m. (local time) on 3 May 2006 about 300 nautical miles off Port Elizabeth, South Africa with twenty-four Filipino seafarers of her 33-man crew.   Another ship the “Fortune Express” responded to the distress call of  “MV Alexandros T” and rescued seven crewmembers including the six Filipino seafarers.

Ambassador Reyes, upon instructions of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, sent Consul General Villapando and ATN Officer Vinuya to Durban to personally assist the six OFWs and coordinate with the  representatives of the owner of the “MV Alexandros T” and the shipping agents on the arrangements for the medical examination in Durban and repatriation of the OFWs to Manila.

The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, DFA has made arrangements for the OFWs to be met at the NAIA by their family members.   (Please refer to press releases on this subject matter dated 5,9 and 10 May 2006.) END
 
 

/bjg