Capesize Senior Officer killed by “zero-covid” policy in China

Posted in Accidents by Mikhail Voytenko

Jan 31, 2022 at 11:46.

According to Turkish sources, Turkish 36-year old Captain of German Capesize bulk carrier MATHILDE OLDENDORFF tragically died at Tianjin port, China, understood on Jan 29 (Chief Officer according to other sources).

He had to measure ship’s draft using pilot ladder from the shore side of berthed ship, because zero-covid Chinese policy prohibits any physical contacts between crew and shore, even if it’s a walk along the berth, to perform duty. He slipped and fell onto pier, crew were prohibited to assist him. Paramedics found him already dead, his body is to be shipped to Turkey after completion of formalities. MATHILDE OLDENDORFF left Tianjin on Jan 31, bound for Hedland Australia.

Comment: What’s wrong with China, what is it it’s after? Pushing out all non-Chinese crews from all ships calling Chinese ports, and replacing them with Chinese crews? This “zero-covid” policy with regards to crews, has nothing to do with “science” or common sense, not to mention humanitarian considerations.