Evergreen containership Ital Libera, whose Master died of COVID-19 is diverting to Europe as no ports in Asia will accept the vessel.
A customer advisory from Evergreen alliance partner Hapag-Lloyd, said it had received news from its Taiwanese partner that the Captain of the Ital Libera had died from the dreaded virus.
The Italian-flagged Ital Libera, owned by Evergreen Italian unit Italia Marittima, was found to have some COVID-19 cases onboard after departing Durban, South Africa for Asia and the vessel went into 14-day quarantine at anchor in Jakarta, according to a Hapag-Lloyd advisory dated 6 May.
An updated advisory issued by Hapag-Lloyd on Monday said that following the passing of the Captain, no ports in Asia were willing to accept the vessel.
“Force majeure has been declared and due to no Asian ports accepting the vessel, she has been diverted to call Italy first in order to repatriate the captain,” the advisory said.
The Ital Libera will now sail to Italy before continuing its voyage in Asia at currently unknown dates.
“We appreciate your patience and regret the delayed arrival of your cargo due to the circumstances out of vessel operator’s control,” Hapag-Lloyd said.
Many Asian ports have adopted extremely strict protocols on COVID-19 and contact between crew members and shore personnel.
