Update On Stranded Filipino Seafarers in India

26 October 2018 – The 21 Filipino seafarers stranded in India for the past four months will soon be home. This was the information conveyed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) by the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi.

Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita C. Daza reported that the seafarers will leave for Manila as soon as their final exit clearances are issued. Ambassador Daza said private lawyers filed a case in court on Wednesday and will apply for exit clearances on Monday.

The 21 crew members of the MV Evangelia M have been stranded in the southern port city of Kakanada since June after they were abandoned by the owner of the vessel. The seafarers sought the help of the DFA and the Embassy a few weeks ago and were promptly assisted.

Ambassador Daza said the Embassy has been coordinating closely with Indian port authorities and with Admiral Shipping Agency, the local agent in India, and Evic Human Resource Management Inc., the manning agency in the Philippines.

Ambassador Daza added that the Embassy and the Philippine Consulate General in Chennai also visited the seafarers to ascertain their safety and provided them with cash assistance. END