01-07-2025
13 seafarers stranded for nearly 3 months off Iloilo coast rescued
Thirteen seafarers, including six Filipinos, disembarked from a cargo ship where they were left stranded off the Iloilo Strait for nearly three months due to salary disputes and issues related to the vessel's seaworthiness.
Following nearly five hours of negotiations between the ship captain,representatives of the shipowner and the crewing agency on June 30, the crew finally left the Comoros-flagged MV Hirman Star and authorities were granted access to board the vessel.
In a Facebook post, Iloilo City Congresswoman Julienne Baronda said the crew would receive their back wages, and the six Filipino seafarers would each receive P100,000 in assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The rescued crew underwent general medical checkups under the care of the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) to assess if they are fit to travel home. The remaining crew of seven Indian citizens are scheduled to undergo their medical evaluations this afternoon.
Representatives from the DMW and OWWA were present during the operations to provide support and facilitate the assistance process.
MV Hirman Star had been anchored off Iloilo waters for weeks, with the crew unable to leave due to unpaid salaries and lack of action from the vessel's management. The situation came to the attention of local authorities through public reports, prompting inter-agency coordination that led to the crew's release. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
