American Seafoods'' trawler American Dynasty is under lockdown at the Port of Seattle after a large number of its crew tested positive for COVID-19.
The Seattle, US-based seafood company previously reported that a crew member from the American Dynasty tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the company decided to test the entire crew and on 30 May an additional 85 crew members were confirmed positive. Results are pending for nine outstanding tests.
“The health and safety of our crew, employees, and the communities where we operate is always the top priority for us,” said American Seafoods CEO, Mikel Durham.
All crew members are being quarantined and monitored by medical personnel at the Port of Seattle, where the vessel returned after the positive test results.
According to Durham, 100% of crew members were screened and tested for COVID-19 antibodies and viral infection before they boarded the vessel. Pre-season tests were conducted through the University of Washington. Only those who tested negative for the virus were cleared to board the vessel.
“American Seafoods is cooperating with the U.S. Coast Guard, the CDC, the Seattle/King County Health Department, Whatcom County Health Department, and the Port of Seattle.” Durham said.
“The crew has access to any required medical care, and we are thrilled with the support that the agencies we are working with have provided. We have also put in place preparedness procedures in the event of a virus outbreak. Those plans are being fully executed right now,” she added.
