Visakhapatnam: Halted Chinese cargo ship to be berthed today

Visakhapatnam: VisakhapatnamPort Trust Deputy Chairman P L Haranadh said the Fortune Hero, a cargo ship came from China, which has been kept offshore of Bay of Bengal by the Port Trust authorities on Friday, pending a thorough medical screening of the crew of the ship for coronavirus, will be allowed into the port for berthing on Saturday.

Speaking to media, Haranadh said the bulk carrier has 22 crew members and all were found to be hale and healthy. Among them, he said 17 crew belong to China and five to Burma and added the vessel was booked by Orissa Stevedores Limited and carries pet coke to Visakhapatnam.

After complete medical examination of the crew, he said the ship was allowed into the port on Saturday.

Stating that the ports were fully geared up to handle coronavirus cases, Haranadh said there were three medical teams available at the port ready to scan and screen the patients. He said so far, 30 ships from various countries have reached the port.

"The unhealthy passengers and crew members of the ship are subjected to medical test and subsequent treatment. Nobody can leave ship without screening. Every passenger is tested with full scale by using all the necessary equipment and gadgets," Haranadh said.

Further, Haranadh said special care was taken for vessels arriving from coronavirus-affected countries, followed by the health protocol. "We are ensuring that the vessels are being berthed after the completion of the 15-day quarantine period. In case, if any ship arrives before the completion of the quarantine period, it will be anchored at sea. Once the master of the vessel declares that the crew is safe and healthy, only then they will be allowed to enter the port," the Deputy Chairman said.

Allaying fears, Haranadh said protective gear, including masks and gloves were being well-stocked. All Indian Ports are gearing up to tackle Covid-19 effectively and system protocol is perfectly in place, he added.