A lot has happened since the first incident of Covid-19 was first reported from the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) in Bahrain, where Bow Elm and Bow Lind were in drydock.
The most significant yet devastating: We lost two esteemed colleagues due to complications from Covid-19. Fleet Electricial Engineer Bernardo Dela, Jr passed away on June 26, more than a week after he started receiving intensive care treatment. Captain Pablito Abunyawan of Bow Lind passed away on July 7 following the worsening of his symptoms the afternoon of July 6.
As the company mourned this enormous loss, candles were lit and flags were placed at half-mast in Bergen and Manila. A mass was offered at OiP on July 9 for the repose of the souls of our departed colleagues, and for the healing of the bereaved families, our colleagues in Bahrain and their families, and the rest of the Odfjell community. You can see the mass here (in Tagalog). CEO Kristian Mørch also issued a message on how we will move forward after this unprecedented event.
Since the first incident of Covid-19 at ASRY on June 1, all but three crewmembers on board Bow Lind and Bow Elm have contracted the virus. As of July 15, the two colleagues still admitted at the hospital are both in stable and not critical condition.
Four of our previously infected crew members need more time to recuperate in Bahrain, and are regularly checked by medical personnel until they are fit to fly home. The superintendents and the other home-bound crew in Bahrain will return to Manila and Bergen as soon as the flight logistics allow.
After undergoing thorough cleaning and sanitation, the drydock activities on both ships resumed mid-June. Bow Elm left the yard on July 9, manned by a combination of the original crew and new crew from the Philippines. Bow Lind departed the yard on July 13, also with a mix of original and new crew members. All is reported well with our crew on board Bow Elm and Bow Lind, and both ships are now underway to the next port. We wish everyone, on board and ashore, safe and healthy travels, and thank them for their world-class handling of an extremely challenging time.
The past weeks have been extremely challenging for everyone involved, particularly for our colleagues in Bahrain. The Covid-19 response team continues to closely support the affected crew, with special focus on their health and wellbeing in this challenging time. MPS Manila is arranging online training and wellness session for the remaining crew in Bahrain.
