A crew member of the MV Athens Bridge is evacuated on Thursday (May 6, 2021). Two crew members of the ship have been brought to a medical facility while 19 others have been quarantined inside the vessel. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)
12 Pinoy seafarers from India positive for COVID-19, 2 in critical condition
THE maritime sector of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), consisting of the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), together with the agency members of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) Port of Manila, are currently in full force in assisting all Filipino crew members aboard the vessel “MV Athens Bridge” from India, some of whom tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the vessel’s shipping agent, MV Athens Bridge departed from India last April 22 and arrived in Haiphong, Vietnam on May 1, 2021, for the conduct of the crew’s RT-PCR test. It was later found that out of the 21 Filipino crew members onboard, 12 of them tested positive for COVID-19.
On May 6, the PCG received a request from the vessel’s captain to execute a medical evacuation of two crew members who needed urgent medical care. The vessel, at that time, was located 12 nautical miles west of Corregidor Island.
Upon securing clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and the Department of Health, MV Athens Bridge was directed to the quarantine anchorage area designated by the OSS Port of Manila. Security is also provided by the PCG to ensure that no unauthorized vessel or banca will approach the vessel.
Early evening of the same day, BOQ doctors boarded the vessel to assess the condition of the crew and recommended the immediate medical evacuation of two crew members in critical condition.
As of press time, the crew members in critical condition have been safely evacuated and brought to the dedicated medical facility for treatment. The rest of the crew are in the vessel and shall be provided with the necessary medical supplies, including oxygen tanks, with assistance from BOQ and PCG.
The national government, through the maritime sector of the DOTr, has assured that the situation and the condition of the crew members will be consistently monitored. Health and safety protocols will also be prioritized throughout the entire process.
