Almaher Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On June 15, 2024, a vessel has been officially sold to breakers for decommissioning. This decision marks the end of an operational journey for the ship, highlighting the lifecycle of maritime assets as they transition to recycling processes.

The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) has initiated an investigation into the ferry MV Saint Anthony, following a COVID-19 outbreak among the crew. The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Regional Office IV (MRO 4) has suspended the vessel's passenger safety certificate until it receives clearances from both the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). This suspension is part of ongoing efforts to ensure health protocol compliance across the maritime sector. Per Marina Advisory No. 2020-86, shipowners and masters are required to promptly report any suspected COVID-19 cases to health authorities and Marina once they reach the next port of call. The DOTr's maritime sector, including Marina, PCG, and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), is working diligently to investigate any breaches in health protocols. On August 7, it was reported that 25 crew members tested positive for COVID-19 aboard the vessel. This incident follows the earlier disembarkation of three crew members, who left the ship on August 1 and August 5, 2021, at the Port of Batangas without the necessary permits from the PPA. Although these individuals were hospitalized due to their condition, the shipping company delayed notification of the three cases to the PCG and PPA for several days. Fortunately, they are currently stable but still undergoing treatment. Preliminary findings suggest that MV Saint Anthony de Padua continued passenger services despite signs of infections among its crew. A total of 433 passengers traveled aboard the ship between August 1 and August 4, potentially exposing them to the virus. In response, a thorough contact-tracing process is being implemented for all affected passengers. As a result of this serious health concern, the PPA Port Management Office (PMO) in Batangas issued a Show Cause Order to the shipping company on August 11, seeking an explanation for these lapses. The investigation underscores the importance of stringent health protocols in the maritime industry amidst ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.

In a significant COVID-19 outbreak, 25 crew members aboard the 'St. Anthony de Padua' were confirmed infected, marking the largest incident of virus transmission in a single location in Batangas. This incident unfolded on August 1, 2021, as the ferry was preparing to depart from the Port of Batangas to the Port of Caticlan in Antique. Two crew members, experiencing symptoms that included loss of appetite, disembarked and sought medical attention at a private hospital. Despite these developments, the ferry continued its journey with the remaining crew and passengers. On August 2, it was reported that the two crew members tested positive for COVID-19, triggering alarm on board. The vessel returned to Batangas from Caticlan on the night of August 3, carrying an additional 33 passengers. Upon arrival, the ferry anchored in Batangas Bay, where two more crew members reported similar symptoms. Engr. Lansen Padua from 2Go Travel contacted the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) for assistance in getting the affected crew members to a hospital. On August 5, those individuals were transported back to Ramp 5 of the Port of Batangas and then taken to a private hospital via tricycle. Due to a shortage of available rooms, they were first moved to a locally accredited private resort before one was transferred to a Bureau of Quarantine facility and the other directed to the San Juan District Hospital. Concerned about the rapid spread of the virus, the shipping company engaged a private laboratory to test all crew members on board. By August 7, testing confirmed that 25 crew members were positive for the virus. Following this, both positive and negative crew members were quarantined aboard the vessel, with the infected individuals isolated separately. Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas has urged the shipping company to collaborate closely with relevant agencies to facilitate immediate contact tracing for passengers who disembarked at Port of Batangas from Caticlan. Dr. Ernesto Magsino, a member of the Batangas Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), noted the urgency of the situation, citing concerns over potential further spread of the virus, particularly given the presence of asymptomatic patients among the Delta variant cases.