DMW: 17 Pinoy seafarers safe in US ship collision

A tugboat stabilizes cruise ship American Heritage after it capsized following a collision with a tanker on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana on Nov. 13.

AFP

MANILA, Philippines — All 17 Filipino crewmembers of a tanker carrying asphalt, which figured in a collision with a passenger riverboat on the Mississippi River near the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana have been reported safe.

The Department of Migrant Workers said the 17 Filipino crew members of the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Atlantic Asphalt have been accounted for following the accident which also involved American Cruise Lines vessel American Heritage on Nov. 13.

The DMW, through its Bagong Bayani Monitoring and Situation Room, is coordinating with the concerned parties to ensure the seafarers’ welfare.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the tanker may have experienced steering or maneuvering difficulties before the collision, prompting emergency responders to immediately conduct rescue and medical assistance operations,” the agency stated.

“Verification with the Local Manning Agency confirmed that all 17 Filipino crew members aboard the Atlantic Asphalt are accounted for and safe,” it added.

The local manning agency has confirmed the safety of the Filipino crew and is coordinating the submission of their individual details to the DMW for documentation and continued monitoring.

The United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The DMW said it would continue to monitor developments and coordinate with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of the Filipino seafarers.