The seafarers aboard M/V Devon Bay have safely returned to the Philippines following the tragic maritime incident and were immediately received and assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) upon their arrival at South Harbor, Manila, Pier 13, at around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 26.

A total of 15 seafarers survived the incident, while two (2) crew members lost their lives. The survivors, along with the remains of the deceased, were repatriated aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua, a 97-meter vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Upon arrival at the port, the survivors immediately underwent initial medical examinations before being transferred to temporary accommodations for further medical evaluation. They were later reunited with their families after several days of anxiety and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations remain ongoing for the four (4) missing Filipino crew members, as authorities continue efforts to locate them.

The Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel M/V Devon Bay capsized on Friday, January 23, in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, while carrying a cargo of iron ore. The vessel was en route from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, to Guangdong, China, at the time of the incident.

OWWA and DMW continue to coordinate closely with other government agencies to ensure sustained assistance and immediate support for the affected seafarers and their families.