Early last week, some of the crewmembers on board Bow Architect experienced slight flu symptoms. As a precautionary measure, Bow Architect went directly to anchorage in Kakinada (India), where all crewmembers were tested for Covid-19. The tests all came back negative two days later, so the vessel resumed operations while the seafarers experiencing flu symptoms received the needed treatment and medications on board.
The health condition of some of our colleagues on Bow Architect did not improve during transit from Kakinada to Chittagong. A doctor therefore came on board on arrival and decided to move seven crewmembers with flu-like symptoms to a hospital in Chittagong where they now receive treatment.
The situation for our crew on Bow Architect remains on top of our agenda. The latest reports from the hospital are carefully optimistic. The condition of the three who have received intensive care is reportedly slowly improving, and the condition of the other four crew members in hospital is stable.
The health condition of the remaining 16 crew members on board is also monitored closely. They were tested again for Covid-19 this week, and today we were informed that three of the 16 crew tested positive despite experiencing no symptoms. They are currently isolated on board, and a new test will be scheduled as soon as possible.
The Covid project team in Bergen and Manila is in frequent contact with the Captain, health authorities, P&I and other resources to secure that our colleagues receive the very best support. We have local representatives that secure close follow-up of the hospitalized crew and the team on board, and seek regular additional medical advice from the professionals at Radio Medico. The Chittagong hospital is reputed as the best in the region, and the treatment our colleagues receive is confirmed as very high quality by third party health professionals.
The vessel has no cargo on board. Bow Architect will remain in Chittagong and rest assured that we will continue to do our utmost to secure the best support for the Captain and crew until the situation is clarified.
