The 34-year Filipino seafarer, Oscar Jr. Gallangi Dela Rosa, on bulk carrier MV Agria, enroute to China (via Singapore) was successfully signed off at Dhamra Port, Odisha, and disembarked on medical grounds for further treatment.

“Great thanks to the Govt Officials of India, for without their timely support this wouldn’t have happened”, said Capt Mohan Naik, Director, Dynacom Tankers Management, the Mumbai based Ship Management company.

Capt Naik informs: “We were intimated by M/S Seatraders on March 02, 2023 about the 34-year old ailing crewmember who was showing symptoms of swelling, fever and severe pain on both sides of his neck below the ear and close to his collar, along with rashes all over his body.”

On receiving all documents they applied for availing a doctor’s visit to check up Oscar upon berthing at Dhamra. After the initial check-up, the Port Health Officer (PHO) Dhamra Port immediately declared Oscar ‘unfit for duty’. advising further tests and treatment at a hospital.

Dhamra port being a non-designated immigration port was unfortunately a problem for sign-off as Oscar’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Moreover, all the crew on board were worried not only about Oscar’s deteriorating health but were equally concerned about the safety of his fellow seafarers as the undiagnosed infection might spread on board.

Capt Naik says, “This was a complicated issue as Dhamra port is a non-designated immigration port, and as per MHA no immigration activities are permitted, except only during medical emergencies. FRRO Hyderabad may issue permissions for such sign-off, provided it be supported with a no objection of the case from the Local SP.”

Anticipating protocol hurdles & delays, for it being a long weekend too, Naik sought the assistance of Capt Daniel Joseph, D G Shipping, GOI, known for championing the cause of crew relief and repatriations through various innovative measures during the Covid times.

As usual, after understanding the sensitivity of the matter Capt Joseph wasted no time in taking matters into his hands. He followed up at all levels, including the Local DSP (Kamal Lochan), SP Koraput (G Varun, IPS) and DIG (Anup Sahu, IPS), Dhamra; to ensure that Oscar was immediately signed off and transferred to the local hospital at Dhamra.

Recapping the incident Capt. Daniel Joseph says, “I did whatever I could for there are MHA directives for all non-designated immigration ports to take action, and get permissions ex-post facto for such medical exigencies.

“But yes, I appreciate all the officials and individuals who have helped us set higher humanitarian standards, for in the past we have seen undue delays in such evacuations even in countries like the US and the UK.

“There is no doubt that we are progressing boldly under the leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Modiji.”

Marex Media