MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipino crew members of a ship from India with critical COVID-19 symptoms were evacuated to the country, according to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on Friday.
In a statement, Marina said that the two Filipino crew members of MV Athens Bridge were safely evacuated and brought to a “dedicated medical facility” upon the recommendation of doctors from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).
Ten other Filipino crew members of the MV Athens Bridge tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently under quarantine in the ship where they received medical supplies and assistance from the BOQ and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The ship departed from India on April 22 and arrived in Haiphong, Vietnam, on May 1, where the 12 COVID-19 positive cases were detected.
On May 6, the ship was directed to the quarantine anchorage area designated by the OSS Port of Manila, following the request of the vessel’s captain for medical evacuation because the two Filipino crew members were in need of urgent care.
The national government and the maritime sector of the Department of Transportation, which includes Marina, PCG, Philippine Ports Authority, and agency – members of the One-Stop Shop Port of Manila, assured that they will monitor the condition of the patients and the observance of health and safety protocols.