COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2 Pinoy crew members of MV Athens Bridge in critical condition, brought to hospital

Two crew members of MV Athens Bridge, which is currently docked in the Philippines, were brought to the hospital for treatment due to COVID-19, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said Friday.

Physicians from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) on Thursday night boarded the vessel anchored in Manila to assess the condition of the two crew members. They recommended to immediately evacuate the patients.

"As of press time, the crew members in critical condition have been safely evacuated and brought to the dedicated medical facility for treatment," MARINA said in a press statement.

"The rest of the crew are contained in the vessel and shall be provided with needed medical supplies, including oxygen tanks, with assistance from BOQ and PCG (Philippine Coast Guard)," it added.

MV Athens Bridge left India on April 22 and arrived in Haiphong, Vietnam, on May 1. It was then found out that 12 of the 21 Filipino crew members have tested positive for COVID-19.

The BOQ and the Department of Health gave clearance to the vessel to dock in Manila. Security is being provided by the PCG to ensure that no unauthorized vessel will approach the ship.

The Philippine government vowed that the health condition of all crew members would strictly be monitored. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News