******************************************
A joint operation between government departments to convey 10 sick crew members from a Malaysian-registered freighter "Bunga Melawis Satu" to the hospital for treatment and observation was successfully carried out early this afternoon (May 4).
Claimed to have been suffering from fever, cough and aching joints, all 10 who have undergone checks on body temperatures by doctors from the Department of Health, were taken onto the fireboat "Elite" which shipped them to shore and then sent to Princess Margaret Hospital by ambulances for further examination.
The Marine Department received calls for assistance from the freighter on Friday (May 2). The vessel entered Hong Kong waters at 8.35 am this morning. Guided by tugboats, it reached a designated anchorage point to the east of Kau Yi Chau at 10.45 am. A total of nine medical personnel, 15 firemen and 14 ambulance men were on board "Elite". At 11 am, two doctors and seven medical personnel boarded the freighter and conducted a thorough clinical examination on both the crew and vessel.
Subsequently, 10 crew members of Indian nationality aged between 23 and 51 who claimed not feeling well were conveyed to "Elite" to be shipped back to the Fire Services Pier in Central, pending transference to the hospital. The remaining crew members, totaling 14, were told to stay on board the freighter for isolation for 10 days. The operation ended at about 1.15 pm.
Speaking to reporters at a media briefing, the Director of Marine, Mr Tsui Shung-yiu said: "During the isolation period, the Vessel Traffic Centre and the Marine Police will work together to monitor the movement of the vessel."
He added today's operation was conducted very smoothly and satisfactorily.
At the same briefing, the Assistant Director of Health, Dr Cindy Lai said: "We need to be vigilant to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent medical personnel and other staff from being infected. This also applies to those who boarded the Malaysian vessel today."
She said the hygienic condition of the vessel was generally satisfactory and guidelines for disinfection were issued to the local shipping agent to facilitate thorough cleansing of the vessel, targeting in particular the kitchen, toilets, living rooms and workplaces.
"We have offered them special advice and measures on disinfection on board as long as the vessel is still in Hong Kong waters."
"The assessment by our doctors is that all 24 crew members including the shipmaster did not suffer from fever."
For the 10 crew members who reported to have fever in the past few days, they all have the history of fever. Some have improved a bit because they have taken anti-biotics or medicine themselves, she said.
Meanwhile, the other 14 crew members are to stay on the freighter for a 10-day isolation period.
Within the 10 days of isolation, a medical officer will board the vessel everyday to ensure the remaining crew members are in good health and will provide them with health advice. The local shipping agent of the vessel will be responsible for the daily upkeep and provisions of the entire crew. It will also have to pay the full cost of their medical treatment in Hong Kong.
Upon expiry of the isolation period, or if the crew members are not infected by a disease which requires isolation of close contacts, the vessel may leave Hong Kong.
"The operation was successful due to the joint efforts of various government departments including the Department of Health, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, Information Services Department, Marine Department, the Police, Hospital Authority and the Government Flying Service coordinated by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau," Dr Lai added.
End/Sunday, May 4, 2003
NNNN
