We are very happy to share with you that the COVID-19 tests of the crew members on Bow Elm all came back negative. Bow Elm now continues the planned operations and voyage.
The fact that the crew is all cleared is first and foremost due to the diligence among everybody on board to minimize risk of spreading the virus.
It was an extra special crossing from Houston to Algeciras having a suspected COVID-19 case on board, but the Captain and crew on board Bow Elm have been proactive and positive throughout. This is inspiring, and I want to express my gratitude to every single crew on board.
Bow Flora has managed to limit the infection to the one on-signer due to the crew’s precautionary actions on board. A second test performed on the on-signer on July 3 confirmed that our colleague is infected by COVID-19. The on-signer has disembarked and shows no symptoms. Bow Flora has resumed port operations in Houston and is expected to leave for Brazil on July 20.
These solid results show that we are able to successfully handle COVID-19 infections on board. Several lessons have been learned and our crew change procedures have been amended accordingly.
Although many governments now report lower infection numbers and/or reopen the countries, the virus is still very active. We must therefore keep our guards up and do what we can onboard and ashore to secure the safety and health for all.
Many thanks to the teams on board, in Manila, Houston and Bergen for efficient and professional handling of this unusual challenge.
Harald Fotland
COO
