The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Monday that the body found dead on a beach of Vanuatu Island was that of a Filipino seafarer.
The DFA said crew members of a cruise ship discovered one of their companions was missing as the foreign vessel left to sail out of Vanuatu.
“Shortly, the body was found on the beach,” according to Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos, executive director of DFA Strategic Communications Office.
She added she has no information that the still unidentified ship worker was Covid-positive.
Asked whether rumor is true that he was thrown overboard, Banzon-Abalos said any report of foul play “would be part of the investigation.”
“The Philippine Embassy in Australia, through the Philippine Consulate General in Vanuatu, has been in touch with the manning agency which has informed the seaman’s family,” Banzon-Abalos added.
“Under Philippine laws, the local manning agency is mandated to ensure that the family will receive all the benefits due to the family of the deceased.”
The DFA said the local manning agency is in touch with its principal company, as well as with its local company in Vanuatu to facilitate the investigation of the case.
“The embassy is closely monitoring this ongoing investigation of the seaman’s death,” the DFA said, adding the embassy in Australia stands ready to provide the appropriate assistance on the repatriation of the remains.