Two Ilonggo seafarers are seeking help from authorities in the Philippines to facilitate their repatriation after their vessel was struck by a Russian drone attack.
MV Inase was attacked while sailing off Odesa, Ukraine, on July 18. The vessel sustained damage and some crew members suffered injuries.
In a Facebook post, Miagao, Iloilo native seafarer Ram-Ram Cerbo wrote: “Pakitulong po kami na makababa na dito sa Constanta, Romania. Hanggang ngayon ayaw pa din kmi pababain ng orincipal namin na EVALEND SHIPPING CO.”
“NO ACTION from the Office. At gusto pa nila kami sumama ng Turkey para bumama pero tatawid pa din ng BLACK SEA which is hindi namin alam ang assurance ng safety namin. Kaya nagpumilit talaga kmi sa opisina,” he added.
In a report by radio station RMN Iloilo, another Ilonggo seafarer also appealed for help to return home.
Alias “El,” 41, of Dingle said they are not amenable to their company’s directive pushing them to proceed toward Turkey instead of disembarking in Constanta, Romania.
“If the entire crew agrees, we will again enter the Black Sea, which is classified as a high-risk area because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war,” he explained.IMT
