All 13 Missing Seafarers in Beirut Explosion Safe

All 13 Filipino seafarers missing are “safe and accounted” for following the deadly explosion that struck Lebanese capital Beirut on August 4, according to the Philippine Embassy in Beirut.

“Our Embassy in Beirut has ascertained the conditions of all the 13 Filipino seafarers who were injured in the blasts that rocked the city recently,” confirms Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola.

In an advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon said eight seafarers are now with the management of the shipping company, Abu Merhi Cruises at Ain el Mraiseh, Beirut.

Five of the seafarers are at a hospital another medical checkup when Philippine Embassy Officials arrived yesterday. Another visit is scheduled today to meet the remaining mariners.

Eleven of the 13 seafarers were earlier reported missing following the blasts where the significantly damaged cruise ship Orient Queen, which was reported docked in the port of Beirut, was only around 400 meters away from the blast zone.

“The Philippine Embassy Beirut will continue to ascertain the conditions of the seafarers and the other Filipinos who were reported hospitalized,” said the Embassy.

Two Filipinos were confirmed killed in the blasts, while eight were injured. Two of the wounded are at the Embassy Chancery after being brought to a hospital for treatment. (GFB)