Seven Filipino crew members of the bulk carrier Panamanian-flagged M/V African Oasis received a heroes’ welcome when they returned home on May 30.
The all-Filipino crew M/V African Oasis is owned by Kawana Kaiun Co. Ltd. with crew management provided by Santoku Senpaku Co. Ltd., an ORIX company under the Orophil Shipping Co. Inc.
The seafarers were warmly welcomed by their families and company representatives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
They were treated to a special thanksgiving celebration at Orophil’s office in the Remedios Tower in Malate, Manila. They received encouraging remarks and tokens of appreciation, including a plaque, gifts, cash, and sumptuous food.
The plaque of appreciation and token presented by the generous shipowner signed by the President Mr. Tomoyuki Kawana of Kawana Kaiun Co. Ltd., and their valued principal Mr. Junichi Taga, President of Santoku Senpaku Company Ltd. thru Engr. Tomas Orola of Orophil Shipping International Company, Inc., reads:
“With greatest appreciation and deepest gratitude for the seafarers’ remarkable fortitude and unwavering composure while trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. Your safe disembarkation and return home is our greatest victory. We honor your immense sacrifice, perseverance and bravery in the face of crisis.”
Orophil's President and Chairman, Engr. Tomas Orola and Atty. John Orola, as well as VMA Global College and Training Centers Chairperson Dr. Elizabeth Salabas, were all in attendance at the Heroes' Welcome program.
The seafarers completed their contracts and were replaced by their Filipino colleagues, who joined the remaining 14 crew members onboard.
(Full story on Marino World magazine's Day of the Seafarer May-June Special Edition)