Race against time to safe perishable cargo as most of ship's crew have Covid

M/V San Rafael Dos (file photo)

ILOILO CITY – All 36 crew members of the M/V San Rafael Dos, a cargo vessel of giant transportation and logistics provider 2GO, are currently in quarantine here after 20 of them tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In coordination with the Iloilo City Quarantine Facility Management, the 20 patients were taken to the Jaro 1 Elementary School, while the 16 were transferred to a hotel quarantine facility accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday afternoon.

The ship’s operation was suspended by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and it must temporarily stay at the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait, where it has been stationed since Aug. 25.

Regional Task Force (RTF) on Covid-19 spokesperson Cindy Ferrer said in an interview that the vessel came from Davao and passed through General Santos and Bacolod cities.

“While in Bacolod, they already have seven symptomatic crew members who tested positive. Another 12 tested positive after an antigen test,” she said.

All those found negative underwent a confirmatory test undertaken by Iloilo City’s molecular laboratory where one more turned out positive.

Emergency Virtual Meeting

The management then submitted its 2GO Business Continuity Plan in a virtual meeting since the ship has perishable goods that might affect the supply in Mindanao.

The Bureau of Quarantine approved the ship’s plan to deploy new staff to be provided by its crewing agency.

The vessel will also undergo disinfection protocols before the crew replacement.

The MARINA will issue an order lifting the suspension before the vessel can proceed to its next destination. (PNA)