Working Conditions Aboard the Volendam

On the morning of October 5, 2022, the Piraeus Port Authority received a concerning report from the Master of the cruise ship 'Volendam' regarding the passing of a 68-year-old passenger while onboard. In response to this unfortunate event, the Central Port Authority of Piraeus initiated a preliminary investigation and has mandated an autopsy to be conducted at the Forensic Service of Piraeus. The authorities are thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding this incident.

In a significant humanitarian effort, the cruise ship 'Volendam' has docked in Rotterdam to provide temporary housing for refugees, following an agreement made on April 2, 2022, by Dutch government officials and the City of Rotterdam. The vessel is presently situated at Merwehaven on the northern banks of the River Maas, where it will serve approximately 1,500 individuals in need over the next three months. Under the terms of this charter, Holland America Line will ensure that those aboard receive three nutritious meals daily in addition to private cabins, professional housekeeping services, and access to various public facilities such as fitness areas and internet connectivity. The ship's operational needs will be met by a dedicated crew of about 650 staff members. Remaining anchored during this period will facilitate easier transitions for Ukrainian families as they navigate support services within Rotterdam. Initially intended to recommence its cruise operations on May 15, offering itineraries to Norway, the British Isles, and Iceland, the 'Volendam' has instead postponed these journeys. As a result of this commitment to aid refugees, Holland America Line will cancel three select voyages, with plans to restart sailing on July 3. Passengers affected by these cancellations are being promptly informed and offered alternative itineraries that align closely with their original travel plans.

On May 18, 2020, the cruise ship 'Volendam,' cruising from Cape Town to Southeast Asia with only crew members aboard, made an unexpected course correction towards Durban due to a medical emergency involving a 26-year-old crewman from New Zealand. The patient's condition necessitated immediate hospital treatment, prompting quick action from local emergency services. At 10 a.m., the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station Durban, in collaboration with Netcare 911 rescue paramedics, mobilized the rescue vessel 'Alick Rennie' to rendezvous with the cruise ship, which was approximately three miles off the coast of Durban. Amid this critical situation, a doctor from the WC Government Health EMS communicated with the ship’s medical team and determined that the crewman required urgent medical attention. Upon reaching the 'Volendam,' an NSRI rescue swimmer and a Netcare 911 paramedic boarded the cruise ship, taking over care of the patient. The transfer of the crewman to the rescue craft was executed smoothly and without incident. Once stabilized, the crewman was transported to the NSRI Durban headquarters before being rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Throughout this operation, strict Covid-19 protocols were adhered to, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.