A captain who died on a Canadian bulker in Norway was later found to have Covid-19.
But a cause of death has not been confirmed for the master of the 11,500-dwt self-discharging ship Tertnes (built 1985), which is docked in Mekjarvik near Stavanger.
Seven other seafarers on the CSL Group vessel have tested positive and the bulker is now in quarantine at the port in the Randaberg region.
If Covid-19 is confirmed as the captain's cause of death, it could be the first reported fatal case on board a merchant vessel.
The Haugesunds Avis daily reported that a post-mortem examination revealed a positive test for the master.
"We cannot confirm whether the captain died of Covid-19," a doctor named as Ole Bernt Lenning told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.
None of the infected crew members are reported to have symptoms.
The vessel was en route from Gulen in Norway to Dover in the UK when the captain suffered health problems in international waters on 24 February.
The ship, which has a crew of 18 Filipinos, diverted to Randaberg following the captain's death.
No trips ashore
Norwegian media cited the ship's agent as saying none of them have been ashore on Norwegian soil since a crew change on 12 February.
Aftenbladet reported that everyone who came into contact with the vessel since that date has been quarantined. This includes those connected to six pilotage jobs.
CSL has been contacted for further information.
The last coronavirus outbreak reported in connection to shipping came in February at Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC).
The yard was closed after 240 workers tested positive for Covid-19. Another 800 staff were placed in quarantine.
The shipyard was shut on 19 February but reopened on 25 February.
