15 Filipino sailors rescued by China 'in stable condition'; DMW awaits probe results

MANILA, January 28 ------ The 15 Filipino crew members of MV Devon Bay are “generally in stable condition” but would still need to undergo medical check-ups, days after they were rescued by the Chinese coast guard near Scarborough Shoal, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said the rescued crew members were given initial medical assessment and evaluation by the Philippine Coast Guard’s medical team and the licensed manning agency office. “We still have to await whatever the results are but I was informed that they are in generally good condition,” Bay told state-owned PTV during a public briefing. “Nagkaroon po tayo ng welfare check sa kanila because it’s very difficult at that point, at that stage yesterday na sila ay kausapin ng mga detalye but in due time we will coordinate with them and sila po ay bibigyan ng financial assistance ng DMW at ng OWWA,” she said.

The official said the survivors would receive psychological counseling with the help of the Department of Health (DOH). They are also entitled to medical or sickness benefits if they develop any illness due to the incident. “Tingnan po natin kung ano po iyong mga medical conditions, iyong health situation at ganundin po, iyong kanilang mga entitlements, like we will check kung naibigay po ba ang kanilang wage entitlement o iyong kanilang suweldo,” she said.

Meanwhile, the family of the two deceased crew members will receive funeral assistance and death benefits. “Mayroon po tayong ipagkakaloob na financial assistance doon sa next of kin or the immediate family member noong dalawang namatay,” she said. “Ganundin po may proseso po for the OWWA death benefits at iba pa rin ang death benefits or entitlement ng seafarers in accordance with the contract or if there is a CBA or collective bargaining agreement,” she said.

The Singapore-flagged M/V Devon Bay and its crew of 21 Philippine sailors was en route to Yangjiang, China from Guatalac, Zamboanga del Sur when it sent a distress signal at around 8:30 pm Thursday. The vessel carrying iron ore later capsized "within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone", the Philippine Coast Guard said. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, Bay said. “Hindi siguro muna nararapat na magbigay tayo ng conclusion on the matter because it’s still pending investigation,” she said. “Let me assure you, in behalf of the DMW, na tayo po ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa Philippine Coast Guard at doon sa licensed manning agency and other agencies on this concern para po ito ay mabigyan na ng kaukulang resolution,” she said.

Two PCG vessels were still searching for four missing crew members, as of press time.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com