Kin of Pinoy sailors stranded in UAE seek govt help

The relatives of Filipino sailors of a South Korean ship released recently by pirates but stranded off the United Arab Emirates have sought assistance from Philippine labor officials.

The relatives brought the sailors’ plight to the attention of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, news site Khaleej Times reported Tuesday.

“We are still waiting for the result of their meeting since our local agency [in the Philippines] was given an ultimatum to take action to end our plight or our government will step in, in order for them to take us home. We are now hoping that we will have the result in a day or two," the relatives said in a statement.

Earlier this month, a Khaleej Times report said at least one Filipino sailor of the “Samho Dream" is suffering from severe stomach pain.

The “Samho Dream" lies stricken off the Dubai coast with 26 crewmembers on board as its owners, Samho Shipping, reportedly filed for court protection to help tide over its sinking financial condition.

“He has severe stomach pain… may be due to kidney stone. We have requested through the captain for his hospitalization. But it doesn’t seem to be happening. His mother is also hospitalized in the Philippines. They are struggling to pay her hospital bills," one of the ship’s sailors said in an earlier interview.

Nineteen of some 26 sailors aboard the troubled South Korean ship are Filipinos.

The “Samho Dream" was struck by pirates in 2010 and its owners had to shell out $9 million as ransom for its release.

The Khaleej Times report said the men are braving impending hunger and failing health. The 19 Filipinos and seven Koreans are also struggling to contact their families. - JE, GMA News

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