A BW Epic Kosan (BWEK) LPG carrier struck by a Covid-19 outbreak has left Vanuatu with a lone uninfected seafarer in isolation from his colleagues.
The 3,678-cbm Inge Kosan (built 2011) hit the headlines when one crew member was found dead on a beach on 11 April and was later found to be Covid-19 positive.
A BWEK spokesperson told TradeWinds on Thursday the vessel left Vanuatu on 21 April, but the destination has not yet been decided.
Of the 12 crew members on board, 11 have tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently asymptomatic.
Isolation for Covid-19 negative colleague
The seafarer who tested negative is being isolated from the rest of the crew, the spokesperson added.
BWEK continues to closely monitor the health status of the crew as well as continuing to provide every support to the family of their deceased colleague.
"We have requested a copy of the autopsy report to understand what the cause of death is — which may bring some closure to the bereaved — but we have yet to receive the report," the spokesperson added.
The Pacific island of Vanuatu went into lockdown after a post-mortem examination revealed the dead seafarer had Covid-19.
The Filipino man was in his 40s. It is not known where or how he contracted coronavirus, or whether this was the cause of death.
BWEK has spent the intervening days cleaning the vessel.
Authorities said the ship arrived in Port Vila on 7 April and was due to depart for the Solomon Islands three days later.
However, the master noticed a crew member was missing as the Inge Kosan was leaving port.
