A renewed wave of Covid-19 infections is taking its toll on seafarers worldwide, with two outbreaks reported on vessels in Norway and Vietnam.
A Filipino seafarer from the 62,700-dwt ultramax IVS Pebble Beach (built 2020), controlled by Nisshin Shipping, has died in Narvik, Norway, but the cause of death has not been established.
Fifteen other Filipino colleagues on board have tested positive for Covid-19, and the other two crew members reported symptoms.
The ship has been quarantined.
Rolf Lossius, head of emergency services in Narvik, told TradeWinds the ship had denied that there any problems on board, which the city takes very seriously.
Nisshin has been contacted for comment.
The IVS Pebble Beach is not allowed to leave Narvik until at least 10 days after the date of the last confirmed case on board.
The vessel was fixed on delivery to Singapore's Grindrod Shipping, which has also been contacted for comment.
Boxship master seriously ill
Meanwhile, the Covid-19-infected master of the Synergy Group-managed, 4,253-teu boxship Singapore Bridge (built 2002) was evacuated by a tug hired by the manager in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, after his condition deteriorated over the weekend.
Synergy crew members accompanied the master during the operation, the company told TradeWinds.
The South Korean national is in a critical condition in intensive care in Da Nang, where he is being treated by a leading lung specialist.
"He first developed Covid symptoms and was placed in isolation and observation on 12 May," Synergy said.
Advice from the company's doctor was taken immediately and medicines were administered.
"The master’s family have been kept fully informed throughout by Synergy personnel located in Vietnam, Korea and at our Singapore headquarters, which is coordinating the operation," Synergy said, adding that a "few" other crew are showing symptoms.
The vessel has been diverted to South Korea and is expected to arrive on 21 May.
Crew to be changed
There, the entire crew will be tested and landed ashore for treatment. "We are also planning a full crew change there," Synergy said.
"We would like to thank senior government authorities in South Korea and Vietnam for their timely interventions. These enabled Synergy Group to expedite the emergency evacuation via tug yesterday."
Synergy has been a leading advocate of vaccines for seafarers and has warned of the dire consequences for crew members and the industry without coordinated action.
