OWWA aids kin of M/V Devon Bay fatalities; search continues for missing

The search for four seafarers missing from M/V Devon Bay remains ongoing, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Wednesday.

In an online press conference, OWWA Deputy Administrator Rossane Bahia-Catapang said the agency has already extended assistance and is coordinating with the victims of the ill-fated vessel and their families.

As of this writing, 15 crew members have been rescued but sustained injuries, while two have been confirmed dead, she said.

Bahia-Catapang said the 15 rescued seafarers arrived in Manila on January 26 and were met by authorities at Pier 13.

“On January 26, we met the 15 seafarers who were rescued from the capsized M/V Devon Bay upon their arrival at Pier 13. Unfortunately, the vessel that traveled from Scarborough Shoal to Manila also carried the bodies of two crew members who were not rescued by the China Coast Guard,” she said.

OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have facilitated processes to help the survivors return to their respective provinces.

“The 15 seafarers were assisted by the DMW, OWWA, their manning agencies, and the Coast Guard to return to Manila,” she added.

OWWA has already provided financial assistance to the OFWs, especially to the families of those who died. The DMW and the manning agencies have also extended aid, Bahia-Catapang said.

The agency also called on the public to continue hoping and praying for the safe recovery of the missing seafarers.

M/V Devon Bay, manned by an all-Filipino crew of 21, capsized near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea last week.—MCG, GMA Integrated News