Seven members of the MSC Elsa 3 Filipino crew have returned to the Philippines, more than three months after the vessel sank off the coast of India. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed their arrival on Sunday, August 31, and said assistance will be extended to the seafarers and their families.
The Liberia-flagged container ship began to list heavily while anchored about 15 nautical miles from Kochi, Kerala, on May 27. Water entered the engine room and the tilt worsened rapidly, forcing the crew to abandon ship. Despite efforts to stabilize the vessel, it eventually went down later that day. All 24 crew members were rescued, 21 by the Indian Coast Guard and three by the Indian Navy’s INS Sujata.
Why It Took Months for MSC Elsa 3 Crew to Return
Indian maritime authorities carried out an investigation into the sinking, which required statements from several crew members. Administrative steps, including travel clearances and passport reissuance, also added to the delay. The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and the Department of Migrant Workers coordinated closely with Indian officials, while OWWA arranged health checks and debriefings before the men’s departure.
Wider Concerns for Filipino Seafarers
The safe return of the MSC Elsa 3 crew comes at a time when other Filipino seafarers remain in danger. Nine are still held captive by Houthi rebels following the July attack on the bulk carrier MV Eternity C in the Red Sea. Families are waiting for news, and Manila has turned to partner countries to help secure their release.
Families Welcome Homecoming
Relatives of the returning sailors expressed relief after months of waiting. Government agencies promised counseling and financial aid for the men, who endured weeks abroad after their rescue. Officials stressed the need to continue improving support for seafarers, many of whom work in high-risk areas around the world.
The arrival of the seven men closes the chapter on the MSC Elsa 3 case. But with Red Sea tensions still affecting global shipping, the safety of Filipino sailors remains an urgent concern.
