Coronavirus: Oil Tanker Quarantined In Antwerp After 15 Tested Positive

An oil tanker, flying the Maltese flag, has been quarantined in the Belgian port of Antwerp till July 4 after the majority of crew members on board the ship tested positive for COVID-19.

The ship, named Minerva Oceania, was quarantined at the Leopold dock of Antwerp. Out of the 26 membered crew of the tanker, 15 reportedly tested positive.

Two of them were in the hospital with doctors deeming their condition as non-critical. Others who tested positive were self-isolated in the ship, occupying separate cabins.

Image for representation purpose only

The oil products tanker had arrived in Antwerp on June 19, following a 1-month journey from Qatar.

All around the world, ports are struggling to manage operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Though many nations have commenced the relaxation of some restrictions on their citizens, ports continue their vigil as new cases continue to appear on entering and outgoing ships.

Citing cases such as these, port authorities around the world are continuing to maintain their strict policies, seeking to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the regional communities.

Reference: brusselstimes.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News