The Philippine government has repatriated a Filipino seafarer who was rescued by a Russian vessel after being stranded at sea for nearly two days in the southern part of the South China Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, facilitated the seafarer’s return to the country last week.
According to the DFA, the Filipino was rescued on Jan. 26 by the Russian Pacific Fleet tugboat “Alatau” after he was found adrift. He was subsequently brought to Vladivostok, where he underwent medical evaluation and was provided temporary accommodation.
“The seafarer arrived in Russia without any identification documents, travel papers, or valid immigration status,” the DFA said.
The embassy coordinated with the Migrant Workers Office in Berlin, Germany, as well as Russian authorities, to secure the necessary immigration clearances and documentation for his departure.
Following the completion of exit formalities, the seafarer returned to the Philippines on Feb. 13.
The DFA did not disclose further details about the circumstances that led to the seafarer being stranded at sea.