A missed positive Covid-19 test resulted in a return to port for a vessel in the Philippines - and a costly 11-day delay.
Insurer International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) revealed it handled a recent claim arising from a crew change in the Philippines.
An unnamed shipmanager was caught out during a changeover organised by the port agent in Manila.
With the new crew on board, the vessel resumed its voyage and sent its port entry documentation to the discharge port.
However, both the agent and the local authorities at the discharge port spotted that one of the crew who signed on at Manila had tested positive.
Overlooked by everyone
Unfortunately, the result had been missed by the shipmanager, the port agent at Manila, the health immigration authorities and the vessel's master.
The ship was ordered to return to Manila to test the entire crew and make replacements as necessary.
Additionally, the ship had to be disinfected.
The delays totalled six days in Manila plus five additional steaming days.
The shipowner put in a claim to the shipmanager for around $350,000.
However, through negotiation, the claim was eventually settled at $175,000 as a number of parties had failed to spot the positive test, including the owner itself, not just the shipmanager.
ITIC reimbursed the manager, but is encouraging all parties to remain vigilant and to check documentation thoroughly.
"Covid-19 testing is likely to be a feature of seafaring life for some time to come, and a simple oversight such this can result in costly delays to the vessel and its cargo as well as causing unwelcome disruption for the crew," the insurer warned.
ITIC is managed by Thomas Miller.
