370 Filipino crew repatriated from Italy, more seafarers seek aid

A total of 370 Filipino crew members from three cruise ships docked in Italy have been repatriated to the Philippines.

They arrived in Manila via a chartered flight on Saturday evening, March 28, and were found to be asymptomatic of COVID-19.

These repatriates from Italy were among the first batches from the country, which was then the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Filipino seafarers remaining on a cruise ship in Italy are asking for government assistance to go home.

There are 50 confirmed COVID-19 cases quarantined on their vessel, with affected crew members' cabins marked with red stickers.

The remaining crew are technical personnel who are essential for the ship's operations.

The Overseas Workers' Welfare Association (OWWA) is arranging the repatriation of these remaining seafarers.