DMW confirms Pinoy seafarer injured in Gulf of Aden attack has died

A Filipino seafarer who was critically injured in the September 29 attack on the cargo vessel MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden has died, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Tuesday.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the seafarer’s passing in a post on X (formerly Twitter), extending condolences to the victim’s family and assuring them of government assistance.

“We convey the sad news of the passing of the Filseafarer critically injured during the Sept 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Per the President's directive, we are providing them with full support and assistance,” Cacdac said.

We convey the sad news of the passing of the Filseafarer critically injured during the Sept 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Per the President's directive, we are providing them with full support and assistance.

— hans leo j. cacdac (@HansLeoCacdac) October 7, 2025

The MV Minervagracht, a Netherlands-flagged cargo vessel, was struck by an unknown projectile and caught fire while sailing about 120 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and reports from Reuters.

Rescue teams were able to save all 19 crew members — Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan nationals. Of the 12 Filipino crew members on board, two were injured, including the seafarer who later died.

Ten of the Filipino crew members arrived safely in Manila on October 5 and were welcomed by Cacdac and other officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Their repatriation was made possible through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and the seafarers’ manning agency and its local agent.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier emphasized the need for continued government support for Filipino seafarers facing danger and hardship abroad.

The DMW said it is coordinating with the family of the deceased to extend full assistance, including financial support. —KG, GMA Integrated News