Paradip: An Indian crew of cargo vessel MT Chemstar Stellar, waiting in the anchorage, developed the symptoms of fever and sore throat, raising suspicion of possible novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on 02.03.2020. The suspected patient along with all the crews were examined on board Tuesday by the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) Hospital Medical Team in consultation with the port health officer.
The patient along with his wife were transferred to Cuttack SCB Medical College for further evaluation and management following the strict protocol for the same.
The vessel was carrying 20,000 MT Sulphuric Acid, came to anchorage of Paradip Port on 1st March, 2020. It has a travel history from China, South Korea and Singapore from 10th February, 2020. The Master of the vessel informed about the symptoms on 02.03.2020 at 1.30 PM.
The PPT chairman, Rinkesh Roy, Tuesday allayed the fear about outbreak of Covid-19 in the locality. He said that, as per laid down procedures, PPT Marine & Hospital Staff in close coordination with Port Health Officer, CDMO, Jagatsinghpur, SCB Medical College and District Administration decided to evacuate the crew to SCB Medical College. The team lead by Capt. Nimai Charan Pursty, Pilot, PPT, Dr. P. Panda, CMO, PPT Hospital and Shri Dipti Ranjan Dash, Technician boarded the vessel with full protective gears (PPEs) and the vessel was brought to the IFFCO Berth for 15 minutes.
After the evacuation of crew along with his wife, the cabin of the ship was sanitized as per protocol. The vessel was returned to the anchorage. The evacuated crew was in stable condition and reached SCB Medical College safely. There, the affected will be tested for the novel coronavirus and will be managed further. The Paradip Police provided all support to escort the ambulance to Cuttack.
Capt. A.K. Mohapatra, PPT deputy conservator, and Capt. A.C. Sahu, harbour master were also present during today’s presser.
