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A missile attack on the Liberian-flagged ship, the Kmax Ruler, while it was docked at the port of Pivdennyi near Odesa, Ukraine, has left four Filipino seafarers injured and claimed the life of one individual, along with a port employee.

According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the missile struck while three Filipino seafarers, including the ship's Captain, Able Seaman, Deck Cadet, and Ship's Electrician (ETR), were on the bridge of the vessel.

Fortunately, they were a sufficient distance from the point of impact and sustained non-fatal injuries, with all now considered to be out of immediate danger.

The Filipino Captain, Able Seaman, and Deck Cadet are currently receiving treatment on-board for minor injuries, while the Ship's Electrician, who suffered a fracture to his left hand, is undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

The DMW has instructed the seafarers' manning agency and ship owner to provide the necessary assistance to the injured crew. Cacdac emphasized, "As soon as we received the report of the incident, we instructed their manning agency and ship owner to determine what else can be done for them."

Furthermore, the DMW has taken steps to facilitate communication between the seafarers' families and their employers to ensure that they are kept well-informed about their loved ones' conditions.