A Concordia Maritime tanker has been quarantined in Brazil for a month after 12 crew caught the coronavirus.
The Stena group's management arm Northern Marine Management said in a statement to TradeWinds that the 65,000-dwt Stena Premium (built 2011) had been quarantined in Cabedelo since 27 April.
"It was hoped that the Stena Premium would be able to depart the port on May 21 and resume her long-term charter in South America, having served a 14-day quarantine following testing done by the local health authority on May 7," the tanker owner added.
"However, two new positive results were revealed in the latest test, meaning the vessel is now further quarantined until June 4."
Concordia confirmed 12 positive Covid-19 tests out of 26 crew members. Two seafarers received specialist medical attention ashore.
"All crew members now remain on board," the company said.
"Onboard Covid-19 prevention measures such as self-isolation and regular sanitisation of all appropriate areas and surfaces have been implemented since the initial quarantine."
Crew resilient
The company added that the mariners are showing resilience in the situation.
"Their families are being kept closely informed of developments, understanding that everything that can be done to support the crew is being done," Concordia said
The group thanked the governor of Paraiba state and local authorities, including health regulator Anvisa, for their "timely and professional support" to the ship and crew.
The Paraibaja newspaper had earlier reported that the health department in the port of Cabedelo said six seafarers had initially contracted coronavirus by 29 April, with another six developing the disease after that.
No crew member is now in a serious condition, it added.
The panamax tanker had left Rio Grande do Norte and docked on 24 April.
According to notes from Companhia Docas, operator of the port of Cabedelo, two crew tested positive for Covid-19 at the time the vessel docked, leading the tanker to be isolated.
According to Anvisa, there is a nurse on board to support the crew.
The health department said it is monitoring the case together with Anvisa and the port captain.
An action plan had already been put in place in case of any crew members testing positive.
