A Danish chemical tanker has been quarantined at the port of Algeciras, Spain after two of its crew members tested positive for the coronavirus.
Uni-Tankers’ 5,700-dwt Samus Swan (built 2009) was ballasting from Nigeria to Algeciras and Gibraltar as the 13 Filipino and East European seafarers aboard were scheduled for a crew change.
Before arriving at the Spanish port at the beginning of this week, nine of the crew members took a rapid test as precaution and the results showed seven may have been infected with Covid-19.
All of the crew took a second test and two were confirmed to have the disease.
“Uni-Tankers are working with the Spanish authorities to provide the best care for the two seafarers who have been placed in quarantine in a local hospital,” according to a statement from the Middelfart-based operator.
“Both crew members are in a relatively good health condition. A third crew member who has tested negative – for precautionary measures – is currently under observation in hospital.”
The Spanish authorities have ordered the Samus Swan and the other six seafarers that have tested negative to be quarantined at the port for 14 days.
“In the meantime, all WHO [World Health Organization] procedures and guidance from local authorities continue to be closely followed by those on board,” said Uni-Tankers, wholly owned by Torben Ostergaard-Nielsen’s United Shipping & Trading Co.
“The seafarers are practising social distancing and crew temperatures are taken twice per day and reported to the health services in Spain.”
Separately, four Filipino crew members disembarked in Gibraltar for immigration reasons. They have been tested negative for Covid-19, but are also isolated as precaution before their repatriation.
A relief crew for the Samus Swan has arrived in Spain and they are expected to board the vessel when the quarantine period is over.
“The families of the crew have been informed and are being updated by the company at regular intervals and the incident has been reported to the relevant P&I club and flag state,” Uni-Tankers said.
According to Equasis, the Samus Swan is flagged in Malta and covered by Gard.
