PANJIM: The management of cruise liner Karnika has refuted claims that it was not ready to comply with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of signing off the Indian crew, saying they have always supported the government.
“As a precautionary measure, amid the growing concerns of COVID-19, Jalesh Cruises recognises and respects the shutdown implemented to contain the spread of the pandemic across the country,” the release by the company says. However, it adds, that news stating that Jalesh Cruises’ is not showing willingness to test seafarers for COVID-19 is incorrect.
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Jalesh Cruises CEO & president Jurgen Bailom said, “We have noticed certain media coverage stating that Jalesh Cruises is not showing a willingness to test seafarers for COVID-19. We would like to clarify that the information is misleading. Ever since Karnika arrived in Mumbai on March 12, our crew on board has not left the ship and has been practicing self-quarantine ever since. The seaport Public Health Office in Mumbai has also given them a medical clearance.”
He further said that as a responsible cruise operator, the company is dedicated and takes full responsibility for crew and have always cooperated and complied with the guidelines laid down by the government.
Bailom added that the Indian government introduced several initiatives and directives in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and as a precautionary measure, Jalesh Cruises decided to take the ship at outer anchorage of Mumbai as a self-imposed quarantine.
“The crew’s 14-day self-imposed quarantine period ended on March 26, 2020. This is also to put on record, that the vessel Karnika arrived in Mumbai, India on Thursday, March 12, from Dubai without any passengers, with 669 crew and has been in India ever since,” he said.
Meanwhile, Angriya cruise has clarified that it will not be signing off the 23 Goan seafarers for now. The company MD Nitin Dhond in a release said that Angriya will be assisting the Indian government in evacuating stranded Indian abroad. “These crew members would be required in evacuating Indian stranded abroad,” he said.
