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Cruise ship departs with treated crew member

Emergency stop: the Bermudian-registered MS Regal Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, is on its way to Southampton, England, after an injured member of the crew was treated in Bermuda and then returned to the ship

A cruise ship that diverted to the island on Monday has resumed its journey with its injured crew member on board.

The Bermudian-registered cruise ship Regal Princess was on its way from the Bahamas to Southampton, England, when it diverted towards Bermuda after a male crew member hurt his back.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism and Transport said today: “Due to the duration of the voyage to the UK taking some nine days, limited testing facilities on board the ship, and the need for an immediate MRI evaluation, Bermuda, determined to fulfil its treaty obligations under the International Maritime Organisation’s SOLAS Convention.

“The Ministry allowed the vessel to anchor off the east end of Bermuda, and the crew member to be transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment.”

The spokesman added that the crew had no contact with anyone off the vessel for 28 days, and the crew member had tested negative for Covid-19.

However all precautions were still taken as the crew member was taken to shore on a pilot boat and then to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The spokesman said: “Following the MRI, it was decided the crew member could safely return to the ship and the Regal Princess continued its voyage at 12.45am yesterday.

“To be clear, the crew were quarantined more than the 14-day quarantine period mandated by the Bermuda Government and international health organisations and were exhibiting no symptoms of Covid-19.

“Furthermore, the sole crew member receiving treatment was tested and found negative for Covid-19, and all Bermuda medical personnel and individuals providing transport practised stringent Covid-19 safety guidelines to ensure no possible spread of the virus.”