MT Stolt owners to re-hire freed Pinoy seafarers

MANILA, Philippines - The 23 Filipino crew of chemical tanker MT Stolt Strength are more than welcome to re-apply with the company once they return safely to Manila, a spokesperson of the shipowners said on Tuesday.

Captain Dexter Custodio, spokesman of ship owner Sagana Shipping Lines, told GMANews.TV that they have no problem re-hiring the Filipino seamen should they decide to give seafaring another try.

“We are willing to hire them again. There’s no problem with that," Custodio said.

Custodio added that the crew was not careless when Somali pirates hijacked the Filipino-manned chemical tanker as it was traveling from Senegal in Africa to India.

“They are just victims too. No one wanted that to happen," Custodio said.

MT Stolt Strength was released on Tuesday morning, 162 days after being held in Somalia.

In a separate statement, Sagana Shipping Lines expressed their gratitude to the families of the crewmen for their patience and cooperation and to the Philippine government and the combined military forces operating in the area.

“[We] recognize that the safe release of the creawand vessel has been difficult and protracted and is extremely pleased that a safe conclusion to this most unfortunate situation has been reached," the ship owner said.

Previously released Filipino seafarers were given vacation leaves by ship owners after being debriefed of their ordeal. At least one shipping company offered “compassion pay" to the freed Filipino crew aside from doubling their pay during the months they were in the hands of Somali pirates. [See: Owner of pirate-seized ship finds ‘win-win’ solution for Filipino seamen]

When asked if Sagana Shipping Lines would provide the same benefits to the 23 Filipino seafarers, Custodio said they will “wait and see."

“What is important now is that the crew arrive home safe and be reunited with their family," he added. - GMANews.TV

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