Ship quarantined over Marburg scare after Durban call

TERRY HUTSON A BULKER carrying timber from Pointe Noire was placed in strict quarantine off the island of La Reunion last week after two seafarers became ill with what is feared to be the dreaded Marburg haemorrhagic fever. The first sailor died before the 28 249-dwt Clipper Lancaster reached Reunion and the other was in a serious condition at time of writing. French health authorities confirmed the symptoms were similar to those of the Marburg virus and have sent blood samples for analysis in France. The body of the dead sailor has been covered in thick plastic under ice until a lead-lined coffin can be obtained. The ship’s last port of call was Durban on June 4 when it loaded bunkers and supplies. Prior to arrival off Durban the master applied for free practique for his vessel, indicating that all crew on board – 22 Romanians and Indians – were healthy and well, said Basil Ndlovu, Durban’s port manager. “All procedures upon a vessel’s arrival at the port are followed in conjunction with Port Health”. He said that as a precautionary measure the two harbour pilots who came into contact with the vessel would be sent for a full medical evaluation. The Port Health officer confirmed he would be contacting the ship's agent and others who had visited the vessel in Durban. “We will continue to monitor our employees to ensure they are given a clean bill of health,” said Ndlovu. Durban’s district surgeon said the virus normally had a 5 – 10 day incubation period. He warned that anyone exposed to the virus should immediately seek medical assistance if they began to feel unwell.