
Maersk seafarer well-enough to return home after COVID-19
A Maersk seafarer
stricken with COVID-19 in early May continues to make good progress recovering
from the effects of COVID-19 and was well enough to travel home recently to
continue his recovery.
Lexa
Maersk was allowed into the US Virgin Islands; 390 nautical mile journey
outside the normal course
The 4045 TEU,
Danish-flagged container ship Lexa Maersk was 380 nautical miles outside of
Puerto Rico - enroute from Manzanillo, Panama to Tangier, Morocco when the need
for medical evacuation of a crew member became apparent after the ship’s
Captain had been in contact with Radio Medical, which provides remote support
to ships using doctors ashore. After having difficulties finding a port to
enter who would accommodate a COVID-19 patient - the Lexa Maersk was allowed
into the US Virgin Islands by Governor Albert Bryan which resulted in a 390
nautical mile journey outside the normal course.
. The stricken crew member under treatment
for 12 weeks and one day
On 7 May, the Lexa
Maersk arrived at St. Thomas harbor and the crew member was shuttled ashore and
taken by ambulance to Schneider Regional Medical Center. The stricken crew
member was placed on a ventilator and remained at the hospital under treatment
for 12 weeks and one day. Throughout the entire period of hospitalization, the
Maersk company doctor was in contact with the responsible physicians as well as
the next of kin to the crewmember relaying the progress of his condition.
Crew member recovered sufficiently to return home
After the crew
member recovered sufficiently to return home, Maersk officials made
arrangements for specialized transportation to accommodate his condition.
The crewmember had
made a big impression on the Schneider Regional Medical Center hospital staff -
who played the theme song from the movie “Rocky” (“Gonna Fly Now”) as he was
wheeled down the hospital corridors to leave the hospital for the flight home.
Upon arrival into
Manila, the crew member expressed his appreciation for the continuous support
and involvement by the company.