7 Filipino crew of Vega Dream ship tested positive for COVID-19

On Wednesday, Australian Embassy in Manila said that seven Filipino crew members aboard the Vega Dream ship were tested positive for coronavirus. The ship is controlled by Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) with crew provided by Manila-headquartered Magsaysay.

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The Australian Embassy said its government is already coordinating with the local health authorities and the Philippine government regarding the situation.

Like other countries, Australia has regulations to ensure COVID-safe practices for the maritime industry. These apply to all international voyages and maritime crew entering Australia (other than cruise ships),

it said.

The Vega Dream ship was anchored at about 40 kms offshore from Port Hedland in the Pilbara region. It arrived in Australia from Manila with 20 crew onboard, but they were tested over the weekend after one of them was found infected with the virus.

West Australian Health Minister Roger Cook was quoted as saying that the first person who tested positive remained in Western Australia and will be transferred to a State Health Incident Coordination Centre for quarantine.

Of the ship’s remaining 19 crewmembers, six tested positive and were all reported to be in “good spirits.” They were placed in isolation on board, in rooms with adjoining bathrooms. Cook added the ship is huge enough for the six others to have their quarantine onboard.

We understand that they are in good spirits and there have been no reports of them being unwell,

he said.

It is quite a modern vessel, so each crew member has their own quarters with ensuite.

Also, Mining companies in Western Australia have reportedly agreed to no longer rely on ship crewmembers coming from the Philippines following reports on the crew members who tested positive.

Western Australian authorities were quoted as saying that the COVID-19 outbreak at the Panamanian-flagged Vega Dream has caused concern and anxiety in the community around the Port of Hedland.