Reviews & Ratings for the Echizen-Maru

Dockworkers from the SUPA union in Ushuaia have taken a strong stance against unloading the 'Echizen Maru' following a COVID-19 outbreak that infected 57 crew members aboard the ship. Concerns escalated as the ship's cargo, comprising 15,000 boxes stored at a chilling temperature of minus 25 degrees Celsius, posed a potential health risk due to the virus's resilience in such conditions. The majority of the vessel's 61-person crew, including 57 sailors, tested positive for coronavirus, prompting stevedores to demand thorough safety measures. While disinfection efforts were carried out on the fishing boat, dockers deemed these measures inadequate and decided to halt all loading and unloading activities. Workers expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the disinfection process and pointed out that many of those involved in handling the cargo were already showing symptoms of the virus. The situation has raised significant alarm within the maritime community as safety protocols come under scrutiny.

On August 5, the fishing vessel 'Echizen Maru' underwent thorough disinfection by health authorities following the discharge of its entire crew from medical treatment. This action was taken by the Ministry of Health of the Province as a precautionary measure. Now, the National Service of Health and Food Quality (SENASA) is anticipated to assess the situation to decide the next steps regarding the unloading of the vessel's cargo and its subsequent destination.

In a positive turn of events, 32 crew members from the vessel "Echizen Maru" are all set to return home on August 3, following a health clearance after their battle with COVID-19. The ship had a total of 61 crew members who contracted the virus while at sea, prompting a medically managed return. The situation on board shifted positively, and by July 31, 28 crew members safely disembarked as the epidemiological circumstances allowed. "Echizen Maru," which has IMO number 1234567, was initially scheduled to dock on July 20. However, due to the unforeseen outbreak starting July 11, the return was hastened to safeguard the crew and public. Symptoms began appearing among some sailors nearly a month after they had last been on shore, raising concerns over their health. A significant factor in this case involved part of the crew, who had traveled with an elderly passenger later identified as the first COVID-19-related death in Tierra del Fuego. Despite being tested prior to boarding, with all results coming back negative, the unexpected outbreak reminds us of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, the safe return of the crew members marks a hopeful step forward in maritime operations amid the pandemic.