Concerned government agencies has assured assistance to the family of an Ilonggo seafarer who died while on board a cargo vessel that exploded at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, Malaysia on Nov. 7.
The assurance was made by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Secretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan upon receipt of a communication from Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda asking for their intervention, according to a news release from Baronda’s office.
“The undersigned was informed of the explosion of a very dangerous cargo vessel at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia, around 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2025, leaving three fatalities, including a resident of Iloilo City,” said the portion of Baronda’s letter dated Nov. 9 addressed to the two officials.
The lawmaker requested assistance in repatriating the remains of the victim at the soonest possible time, as well as other help that could be extended.
Relatives of the victim said OWWA has already reached out to them and provided them with updates on the repatriation of the remains.
The vessel, MSC Kyparissia, was unloading cargo when the incident happened.
Johor State Fire and Rescue Department operations commander, Mohamad Anuar Mohamad Amdzah, said that there was a loud explosion followed by a very thick smoke from below the deck of the vessel, a statement released by Baronda’s office said.
In addition to three fatalities, three others were brought to a hospital for treatment.PNA
