The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has taken “serious steps” in coordinating with the proper agencies to aid the 21 Filipino seamen who were left stranded by their employers at the Kakinada Port in India.
Marina on Saturday said it is also coordinating with the manning agency of the stranded mariners to assist with their repatriation and payment of salaries.
“As the country’s flag state administration, the MARINA takes serious steps, in coordination with partner agencies, in the protection and promotion of the general welfare of Filipino seafarers,” the Marina said in a statement.
Marina’s statement was issued following a report by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that 21 Filipino seamen have remained onboard the MV Evangelia M at the Kakinada Port for more than three months now after being abandoned by their Greek employers.
READ: DFA orders immediate help for 21 Filipino seamen stranded in India
Marina also said that it has requested the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi through the DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office to provide vital information of the 21 stranded mariners such as their identities and health conditions.
This, according to the agency, would allow the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi to conduct medical intervention if necessary.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has already instructed the Embassy in New Delhi to send officers to the Kakinada Port which is located in the state of Andhra Paradesh on India’s southeastern coast. /muf