DFA repatriates nearly 900 Pinoy seafarers from Florida

Nearly 900 Filipino seafarers were repatriated from Florida on Monday, bringing the total number of repatriated Filipinos to nearly 18,000.

The DFA facilitated the return of these seafarars in collaboration with various agencies including the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., DOH, BI, OWWA, DOT, and local manning agency CF Sharp.

Seafarers from five Norwegian cruise ships underwent mandatory inspection and safety protocols before being quarantined.

This marks the third consecutive week of repatriations due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

On Saturday, 863 seafarers arrived in Manila, pushing the total number of repatriated seafarers above 12,600.

Five more flights from the US are expected to arrive in the next two days.