79 of the 119-strong crew of American Seafoods factory trawler American Triumph have tested positive for Covid-19, despite the company’s efforts to avoid infection occurring.
American Triumph has been at sea since 27th June, when it headed north to fish for Alaska pollock. Prior to departure, all crew members had remained in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days and had passed all public health protocols before boarding.
Initially a number of crew reported Covid symptoms and American Triumph docked in Unalaska to seek treatment for those infected and for the remaining crew to be screened, during which a total of 79 cases of Covid-19 have been identified on board.
The company is relocating the crew to Anchorage to isolate and quarantine, and for the vessel to be sanitised, stating that will support the crew members, providing quarantine facilities, daily meals, and accessible onsite medical care.
“We are moving expeditiously to relocate our crew and get them the care they need,” said American Seafoods CEO Mikel Durham.
“I want to thank the Illiuliuk Family and Health Services, the City of Unalaska Unified Command, and the public health and critical infrastructure professionals in Alaska who provided us with support and clear guidance.”
