APD | Filipino crew members of stranded cruise ship reported safe

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA,March.24(APD) The Department of Foreign Affairs received reports from the Philippine Embassy in Oslo that the 163 Filipino crew members of cruise ship Viking Sky are all safe and still helping in the evacuation of its passengers.

In a statement released a few minutes ago (Sunday night), the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippine Embassy in Oslo has remained in touch with Viking Cruises and the Norwegian Rescue Center.

There are no Filipino tourists on board the cruise ship.  Embassy Chargé ‘d Affaires Mariel Algabre said she was informed the passengers praised the efficiency and helpfulness of the Filipino crew in the evacuation. 

Authorities said tug boats are trying to move the cruise ship to shore as three of the ship’s four engines are working.  The ship is currently moving at a slow pace. 

It will be recalled the Viking Sky sent a distress signal Saturday after it encountered engine problems in bad weather. 

It was reported there were 387,072 Filipino seafarers in 2017. The Philippines has been a major source of seafarers of international shipping companies.  

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)