Phl seeks info on seaman missing in France

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine embassy in Paris is still gathering information on a Filipino seafarer who fell overboard from a cargo ship in France on Jan. 20, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez said the embassy is coordinating with authorities for details on the 30-year-old seaman and the incident.

Reports said the sailor, who was not wearing a lifevest, had been trying to secure a ladder late Monday when he apparently slipped and fell into the water under the 270-meter vessel, which was flying a Liberian flag.

Searches conducted in the sea off the French port of Le Havre Tuesday failed to locate him and the coast guard called off the operations after determining that his chances of survival were “very limi-ted.”