5 Filipino seafarers missing off Falkland Islands — DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Five Filipino seamen were reported missing after abandoning a burning fishing vessel off Falkland Islands, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remains hopeful that five Filipino seafarers reported missing after their vessel caught fire off the Falkland Islands will be found,” it said in a statement.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Lagdameo said the five Filipinos were among the 69 crew members of a Taiwanese fishing vessel that caught fire off the islands on Feb. 11.

Lagdameo said the Philippine Embassy in London is requesting for more information about the incident.

The Embassy is also coordinating with authorities, and the “manning agency of the Filipino seafarers is ready to provide assistance.” /ee