PH seafarer still missing 5 days after North Sea collision

DMW building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / ABC

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino seafarer has gone missing after a collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker happened on Monday near the United Kingdom, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed late Thursday.

The DMW said the collision involving the Portuguese-flagged MV Solong and the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate took place at the North Sea on Monday morning near Humber estuary in the city of Kingston upon Hull.

“The seaman was last seen at the bow of the vessel, the area of the ship that caught on fire after the massive explosion,” the DMW said.

“There are eight other Filipino seafarers on board MV Solong and all of them were safely rescued and presently accommodated in a hotel in Grimsby, London, as they await their repatriation,” the DMW added.

The DMW said the licensed manning agency (LMA) has personally informed the family of the missing seafarer of the news and has promised to keep giving daily updates.

UK authorities have already launched an official investigation of the incident in coordination of the flag states of the ships.

“The DMW is in close coordination with the LMA and the families of the affected seafarers to ensure that all necessary assistance and support are being provided during this difficult time,” the DMW said.