MANILA-- The 21 Filipino seafarers stranded for four months in India "will soon be home" after their exit clearances are processed, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.
The 21 crew members of the MV Evangelia M have been stranded in the southern port city of Kakanada since June after they were abandoned by the owner of the vessel.
The seafarers sought the help of the DFA and the embassy a few weeks ago and were promptly assisted, DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato said in an update sent to the media.
Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita Daza reported that the seafarers will leave for Manila as soon as their final exit clearances are issued.
Daza said private lawyers filed a case in court on Wednesday and will apply for exit clearances on Monday (Oct. 29).
She said the embassy has been coordinating closely with Indian port authorities and with Admiral Shipping Agency, the local agent in India, and Evic Human Resource Management Inc., the manning agency in the Philippines.
Daza added that the embassy and the Philippine Consulate General in Chennai also visited the seafarers to ascertain their safety and provided them with cash assistance. (PNA)
