FOUR DIE OF VIRUS ON CRUISE SHIP

247 Canadians stranded aboard MS Zaandam

PANAMA

Four passengers have died aboard a cruise ship stranded at sea carrying 247 Canadians as international ports remain closed fearing the coronavirus pandemic.

Holland America, owner of the MS Zaandam, which is carrying 1,243 guests and 586 crew, said two patients tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.

“This is so serious,” said Andrew Bevington, whose parents, Nancy and Neville, of New Hamburg, Ont., are cloistered in their room aboard the Zaandam. “The situation has deteriorated significantly.”

At least 53 guests and 85 crew members have reported to Zaandam’s medical centre with influenza-like symptoms, the cruise company said Friday.

Passengers, however, say the number is higher.

Zaandam is off the coast of Panama and, in response to the medical crisis, was met by the Holland America sister ship, MS Rotterdam, Thursday evening.

Panamanian authorities allowed ship-to-ship operations at anchor between the two vessels. Medical supplies and additional medical staff were transferred to Zaandam, the Seattle-based cruise company said.

“Holland America Line can confirm that four older guests have passed away on Zaandam. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and we are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time,” the cruise company said in a written statement.

No Canadians were among the four dead.

On Friday, groups of healthy passengers were to be transferred to the Rotterdam under guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.