Samoan sailors working for MSC Sorrento Cruise Company vessels have been told they can remain on board at the end of their contract terms to ensure their safety from COVID-19.
The Samoa Observer says the sailors will only be released to travel home when they are cleared to be virus free and if they can transit through New Zealand on their way home.
Samoa Shipping Services, the government owned entity that handles all recruitment of Samoan sailors for overseas freighters and cruise liners, confirmed the initiative by MSC Sorrento.
According to SSC, with several countries shutting down their borders in response to the global pandemic, the number of staff on ships has been reduced to skeleton crews.
“Samoan sailors who have finished their contracts will be kept on the ships to ensure their safety, before being returned to Samoa when a passage is feasible”.
One of the sailors on board MSC Meraviglia, Titi Mika, told his family he and other Samoan crew on board are safe and sound.
“We believe it’s best to stay on the ships and we’re grateful for this chance as we’re being welcomed to [remain on] the ships freely,” he said.
The sailor from Savaii who is married with one child said he cant wait to return home to his daughter and family.
