Home

Crew from COVID-stricken MV Darya Krishna ship transferred to hotel quarantine

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanThe West Australian
The Darya Krishna comes into dock at Fremantle as an ambulance waits dockside. Picture by Nic Ellis The West Australian
Camera IconThe Darya Krishna comes into dock at Fremantle as an ambulance waits dockside. Picture by Nic Ellis The West Australian Credit: Nic Ellis/The West Australian, Nic Ellis

Six mariners from the COVID-stricken MV Darya Krishna have been transferred to hotel quarantine to protect them from infection.

All six have tested negative to COVID-19 – although one returned a positive serology test, indicating they have previously contracted and recovered from the virus.

A Department of Health spokesperson said the bus transferring the half dozen seafarers suffered “mechanical issues” prior to departing Fremantle Port and had to be replaced.

Three COVID-infected crew members were removed from the cargo ship on Monday and taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment, where one remains in a serious but stable condition in intensive care.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Eleven mariners now remain on board – including six who have tested positive to the virus but are currently well enough to self-isolate in their own cabins.

The Department of Health said the remaining five “hold necessary roles for safe manning of the vessel” and were being left on board despite returning negative tests.

However, serology testing confirmed four of the five had previously had the virus.

In addition to the MV Darya Krishna, authorities are currently monitoring a second COVID-riddled bulk carrier currently berthed at Fremantle Port, the MV BBC California.

Both ships made stops in Indonesia on their way to WA, where it is suspected crew members contracted the deadly virus.

Premier Mark McGowan has raised tightening overhauling protocols for shipping companies berthing in Indonesia with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the issue is expected to be discussed at National Cabinet on Friday.

The Health Department has also issued a warning after a man who travelled to Perth from Brisbane by plane on July 18 but was denied entry to the State returned a positive test in Queensland on July 27.

The man tested negative to COVID-19 at Perth Airport and returned to Brisbane by plane on July 20.

While the risk is considered “extremely low”, anyone who was at Perth Airport Terminal 4 between 4am and 7am on July 20 has been asked to get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

WA registered a record 15,926 vaccinations on Wednesday – the second consecutive record-breaking day.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails