The Msc-Taranto: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a swift response to a medical emergency, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully evacuated a suspected COVID-19 patient from the MSC Taranto, a vessel traveling from Singapore to Colombo. The incident occurred on April 13, 2020, when a 36-year-old Filipino national, Solis Ryan, exhibited symptoms indicative of the virus. Following protocols, MSC Lanka (Private) Ltd., the ship's local agency, urgently contacted the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 to facilitate his treatment in Sri Lanka. With the nod from the Ministry of Defence and under the direct supervision of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, the Navy acted swiftly to assist. Utilizing the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit, the task force reached the MSC Taranto, which was approximately 5 miles off the Colombo harbor, and executed a safe transfer of the patient while adhering to stringent health guidelines. Upon arrival at the harbor, he underwent disinfection procedures before being transported by the ‘Suwasariya’ ambulance service to the Colombo National Hospital for further medical care.