American Cargo Crew Exposed To COVID-19 In Natuna Waters, Bakamla Performs Ship Position Tracking

Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Bakamla personnel provided medical assistance to the crew of the North American cargo ship (ABK) MV True Marine who were reportedly exposed to COVID-19 while in the Natuna waters of the Riau Islands.

The Head of Public Relations and Protocol of Bakamla RI Colonel Bakamla Wisnu Pramandita in a written statement, Saturday 15 January, stated that his party received information from Basarnas Natuna, a cargo ship with the hull name MV True Marine reported that its crew was exposed to COVID-19 and needed help in Natuna Waters, Friday, January 14th.

"In response to the report received, Lt. Col. Bakamla Muchlis immediately carried out tracking using the RI Bakamla RI Vessel Security dashboard to determine the exact position of the ship," said Wisnu Pramandita, quoting Antara on January 15.

The joint SAR team consisting of SPKKL Natuna personnel, Natuna Basarnas, Natuna Health Service, Navy, Satpolair and Immigration immediately carried out Medivac operations using elements of the KN SAR Sasikirana.

He conveyed that the joint SAR team moved from Penagi Harbor to MV True Marine which was anchored at coordinates 04°0'17.22" N - 108°27'49.56" T.

Upon arrival at the location, the medical team from the Natuna Health Service examined the crew members of the ship who were exposed to COVID-19, Syrian citizens.

The medical team carried out a PCR test and provided assistance by giving oxygen and drugs.

According to him, the crew of MV True Marine could not be lowered to the mainland of Natuna because it was feared that it would cause concern for the Natuna community, which currently has zero COVID-19 cases.

"After receiving medical assistance, MV True Marine continued its voyage to China," he said.