The Greg-Mortimer: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The 'Greg Mortimer', a cruise ship that was previously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, has officially departed from the Uruguayan coast after a lengthy two-month stay. With a crew of 24 onboard, the vessel is now en route to Las Palmas, with an estimated arrival date of June 7. The captain, Sten Joachim Saterskog from Sweden, expressed his excitement and gratitude towards Uruguay for their support during this challenging period. The departure came after the ship underwent a comprehensive disinfection process and all crew members tested negative for COVID-19. Earlier, on May 12, a total of 63 crew members had been evacuated, some testing positive while others were negative, and they have been housed in two Montevideo hotels based on their health status as they awaited their return home. The 'Greg Mortimer' set sail from Ushuaia on March 15 and arrived in Montevideo on March 31 when the first crew member was evacuated due to health complications. During its stay, the ship was anchored approximately 20 kilometers from the city, receiving essential health and supply services. Tragically, on April 17, a 48-year-old Filipino crew member passed away in Montevideo after being hospitalized for respiratory complications.

Three crew members aboard the 'Greg Mortimer' have been admitted to Casmu for treatment after testing positive for COVID-19. This group includes two Hondurans and one Colombian national, all of whom are experiencing various health issues, including allergies and inflammatory conditions, but notably do not have respiratory problems. The transfer to Casmu occurred on May 19, following their temporary stay at local hotels. In a prior arrangement, the ship's non-infected crew members were accommodated at the Regency Golf Hotel Urban, while 36 other crew members who tested positive were assigned to the Regency Way Hotel for isolation. The staff at Casmu is prepared to provide comprehensive care to ensure the well-being of the infected crew members.

In a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crew of the expedition vessel 'Greg Mortimer' underwent an evacuation to two hotels located in Montevideo for quarantine purposes. This operation took place on May 12, following the repatriation of passengers to their home countries in April. A total of 63 crew members from the Australian-based company Aurora Expeditions, out of nearly 90 remaining on board, disembarked under guidance from Uruguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The evacuation commenced with the 27 crew members who tested negative for the virus, boarding a bus headed for the Regency Golf Hotel Urban in the Uruguayan capital, specially designated for isolation. Subsequently, the 36 crew members who were confirmed positive followed suit, transported to the Regency Way Hotel, which was fully equipped to ensure the health and safety of its temporary residents. Precautions were paramount during this operation, as all crew members wore protective suits while managing their luggage, which underwent thorough disinfection prior to boarding the buses. For the safety of both the ship and its remaining crew, an additional 20 workers stayed on board. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was present throughout the operation, supervising the transfer and visiting both hotels to oversee the crew's entry. Strict health protocols were enforced, ensuring no contact between the crew and hotel staff. The crew showed their appreciation to the people of Uruguay, with a banner that read, "Thank you, Uruguayan brothers," as they embarked. Along their route to the hotels, they received warm gestures of support from locals, including applause upon their arrival. After completing a 14-day quarantine and achieving a second negative COVID-19 test, non-essential crew members will be eligible to return to their home countries, pending three additional symptom-free days. Once all essential personnel have tested negative and disinfection of the vessel is completed, authorities will grant permission for the 'Greg Mortimer' to resume its journey to Las Palmas. The ship, which originally departed Ushuaia on March 15, was diverted to Montevideo after an urgent medical evacuation on March 31, due to a passenger experiencing health issues. Since then, the vessel has remained anchored approximately 20 kilometers off the coast, receiving necessary health and supply services.