Container ship Singapore Bridge (IMO 9224348), which has some seafarers on board who have tested positive for Covid-19, was heading for South Korea to expedite a crew change.
The Sinokor-owned vessel had been en route from Malaysia’s Port Klang to China’s Shenzhen but was diverted to the nearest port of Quy Nhon in Vietnam late last week, after five of its crew reportedly displayed symptoms of Covid-19. They included the master, who was said to be in serious condition and requiring immediate medical treatment. The 2002-built boxship was due to arrive at the port of Yeosu, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence’s data. It is owned by South Korean shipping line Sinokor and managed by Singapore-based Synergy Marine. Synergy said that the vessel was expected to reach South Korea on May 21st. “The entire crew will be tested and landed ashore for treatment, if needed. We are also planning a full crew change there,” it said. The master remained in a critical condition on a ventilator in intensive care in Da Nang, Vietnam.
The South Korean national is being treated by a leading lung specialist and receiving the best possible medical care, according to the ship manager.
The Captain had been placed in isolation and observation on May 12th, being the first to display any symptoms.
The master was evacuated with some other seafarers by a tug hired by Synergy on May 16th after his condition deteriorated. “We would like to thank senior government authorities in South Korea and Vietnam for their timely interventions. These enabled Synergy Group to expedite the emergency evacuation via tug last Sunday,” said the company.
Synergy said Singapore Bridge was instructed by the port authorities to sail out as soon as the accompanying crew members returned safely on board. While it is not sure where the crew members got infected, data showed that the vessel called at Mundra and Jawaharlal Nehru in India before leaving for Port Klang.
As of May 24th the v3essel was at Yeosu Anchorage, South Korea.
2002-built, Marshall Islands-flagged, 39,941 gt Singapore Bridge is owned by Singapore Bridge 1 SA care of manager Sinokor Merchant Marine Co Ltd of Seoul, South Korea. ISM manager is Synergy Marine Pte of Singapore. It is entered with Standard Club (Standard Asia division) on behalf of Singapore Bridge 2 SA.