MV Devon Bay Survivors Arrive in Manila, DMW Reports Stable Condition
Fifteen rescued Filipino crew members of the ill-fated M/V Devon Bay arrived at Pier 13 in the Port Area of Manila on Monday, January 26, 2026. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) provided an update on their health status the following day, January 27, 2026.
DMW Official Confirms Good Health of Repatriated Seafarers
In a televised public briefing, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay stated that the 15 repatriated seafarers are generally in "good and stable" condition. However, she noted that they are experiencing mixed emotions due to the tragic incident.
"We can report that they are generally in good condition, in stable condition. There is joy and there is sadness because there are still four missing and two of their companions died and will no longer be with them," said Bay.
Search Efforts Continue for Missing Crew Members
Undersecretary Bay assured the families of the missing seafarers that search and rescue operations will persist. "The DMW will not stop coordinating with relevant government agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard. Don't worry, we will do everything we can," she emphasized.
The M/V Devon Bay sank near the Bajo de Masinloc area on January 23, 2026, while transporting iron ore from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte to Guangdong, China. Of the 21 Filipino crew members onboard:
- 15 were successfully rescued
- 2 were pronounced dead
- 4 remain missing
The 15 survivors and the remains of the two deceased seafarers were repatriated to Manila on January 26.
DMW to Ensure Seafarers Receive Entitlements
Bay highlighted that the DMW will coordinate with the licensed manning agency and principal to ensure the seafarers receive their entitled benefits. "We, at DMW, are for the regulation and enforcement of the terms and conditions of their contract. Let's see what the entitlements are in the contracts," she stated.
Potential benefits include:
- Hospital benefits
- Funeral benefits
- Additional wages
- Financial aid
"Aside from those they will get from the DMW and Owwa (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), they will still receive more from their respective agencies depending on their contracts or entitlements," Bay added.
