Working Conditions Aboard the Safinah

In a concerning development, six out of the 23 crew members on board the cargo vessel 'Vega Rose', currently anchored off the coast of Metro Vancouver, have tested positive for COVID-19. The ship has been moored at a container terminal in Delta for several days following the initial detection of the virus. These affected crew members have now been relocated to a federal quarantine facility as authorities, including Transport Canada, closely monitor the evolving situation. The troubles for the crew began when the captain reported symptoms of a sore throat and stomach pains shortly after the ship arrived in British Columbia waters on September 2, 2020. A subsequent test confirmed he was positive for COVID-19 on September 3. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITWF) was alerted about the potential cases after 'Vega Rose' docked in Delta on the same day. In an effort to prevent further spread of the virus, the vessel remained at Deltaport with a sealed gangway for five days, restricting any boardings or disembarkations. Despite two foremen engaging in limited contact with the ship while wearing full protective gear, the focus remains on containing the outbreak. On September 8, 'Vega Rose' was moved to a different anchorage in Vancouver.