Continuing an alarming trend of global cargo disruptions amid the coronavirus outbreak, the bulk carrier Magnate stopped at India’s Chennai port after two Chinese crew members onboard displayed fever, a key symptom of the coronavirus. Eventually, it was revealed that the two crew were not infected.
The two crew members were isolated at the Chennai port on coronavirus suspicion, as the ship had visited various Chinese ports during the last few days, Indian media reported.
The ship, with a total of 19 Chinese crew onboard, arrived at the port on 18 February 18, having completed a period of 14 days from the last visit to a Chinese port.
Pre-arrival monitoring had also indicated that all crew were in good health.
However, upon boarding the ship to examine the crew, port health officials found two crew members with a mild fever, but without other symptoms.
The two crew members were isolated onboard, while nobody was allowed to board from shore-side and no crew is allowed shore leave, the Chennai Port Trust (ChPT) announced.
Indian State health team and port health officer visited the ship on Wednesday morning, collected blood samples and sent it to the Kings Institute of Preventive Medicine, Guindy.
Results showed the two crew members had tested negative for coronavirus.
The ship will be allowed for unloading operation, though the crew will be followed up till sail time.
