DMW Receives 15 Rescued Filipino Seafarers and remains of two casualties from Capsized MV Devon Bay; 4 Still Missing

Pasay City, January 26, 2026 — Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay led the DMW-OWWA team in welcoming 15 rescued Filipino seafarers from the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay, which capsized on January 22, 2026, north of Bajo de Masinloc. The 15 rescued seafarers are generally in stable condition. The remains of two crew members were also received by the DMW-OWWA team and the licensed manning agency. Four (4) crew members are still missing, and the Philippine Coast Guard assured that search and rescue operations are ongoing, ensuring all crew members are accounted for and families are assisted under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

DMW officials, including Assistant Secretary Jerome T. Pampolina and Director Augusto San Diego, and OWWA Deputy Administrator Rosanne Catapang greeted the survivors aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua, in coordination with Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and provided immediate support and aid. The vessel, transporting iron ore from Zamboanga del Norte to China, reportedly capsized about 141 nautical miles west of Pangasinan. Chinese authorities also launched a joint rescue effort near Scarborough Shoal, deploying military aircraft and Coast Guard ships to assist.

The DMW is grateful to the PCG for the safe transport of the seafarers and will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to safeguard the welfare of seafarers and their families, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and protection of all Filipino workers abroad.