The 15 Filipino crew members of the MV Devon Bay are in generally stable condition, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), days after they were rescued by the Chinese coast guard near Scarborough Shoal. According to the DMW, they still need to undergo medical check-ups to ensure their health.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said the rescued people underwent an initial medical examination by the Philippine Coast Guard and a licensed manning agency on Monday. “Although we are still waiting for the results, I was told that they are in generally good condition,” she told PTV.
Bay emphasized that survivors will receive welfare checks and financial assistance from the DMW and OWWA. He added that they will also receive psychological counseling from the Department of Health (DOH) and are entitled to medical or sickness benefits in case they fall ill due to the incident.
Meanwhile, the families of the two deceased crew members will receive funeral assistance and death benefits. “There is a process for OWWA death benefits and other entitlements of seafarers according to their contract or collective bargaining agreement,” Bay added.
The MV Devon Bay, registered in Singapore and with 21 Filipino crew members, sent a distress signal while en route to Yangjiang, China from Guatalac, Zamboanga del Sur. The ship sank within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The investigation by the DMW and PCG is ongoing, while two PCG vessels are still searching for four missing crew members.
