Need for COVID-19 protocols on fishing vessels
26.2.2021
Question for written answer E-001172/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left)
In recent weeks, two Galician vessels travelling to the Falkland Islands were detained in port as a result of COVID-19 outbreaks among their crew. The first is the Venturer, which belongs to the company Pescapuerta and is anchored in a Brazilian port with several members of the crew of 64 infected. The second is Argos Pereira, which is owned by the company Pereira and which arrived at the port of Montevideo with half of its crew of 54 infected with COVID-19.
Both vessels had set sail for the Falkland Islands fishing grounds after supposedly having carried out the relevant tests. The Venturer arrived in Salvador de Bahía on 28 January and only the five crew members who, given the severity of their symptoms, were admitted to hospital were allowed to disembark. The crew of Argos Pereira also remained isolated on the vessel until the Uruguayan authorities allowed those who tested negative to disembark.
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the serious situation facing fishing vessels whose crews are affected by COVID-19, without there being any clear and uniform protocols to be followed?
- 2.Does the Commission intend to take any steps to enforce the provisions adopted in April 2020 concerning the protection of the health of seafarers and their repatriation?