- WESTERDAM well into the Gulf of Siam and Thailand waters SW of Trat islands.
- Cruise Lines International Association requests Thailand authorities to revise the ban highlighting 19 Thai nationals on board.
- Government’s decision to ban WESTERDAM entry criticized.
- Thailand is ready and willing to provide all required supplies.
- Virus incubation period for WESTERDAM expires on Feb 15 after which medics will board the ship to assess the situation.
According to a Maritime Bulletin report, as of 0400 UTC Feb 12, WESTERDAM was well into the Gulf of Siam and Thailand waters SW of Trat islands keeping sailing towards Laem Chabang / Bangkok at some 11 knots speed.
Appeal to revise entry ban
The unfortunate cruise ship WESTERDAM with 2257 people on board has become a Flying Dutchman. Her entry was rejected by country after country, port after port. Click here for get information.
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) in a statement addressed Thailand authorities, asking to allow the ship to dock by revising the ban.
CLIA highlighted the presence of at least 19 Thai nationals on board. Most of them identified to be crew members.
Ban decision criticized
Government’s decision to ban WESTERDAM was criticized by both international and national media.
Ship has nowhere to go?
It is not true that the ship has nowhere to go. Here’s the situation: the ship most probably, is to be anchored somewhere off Laem Chabang.
Virus incubation period
Virus incubation period for WESTERDAM is expiring on Feb 15. Thailand authorities would then allow medics to board the ship to assess the situation.
Supplies for people on board
Thai Prime Minister mentioned that Thai National Security falls first at the same time, Thailand is ready and willing to provide all required supplies.
What if entry is rejected?
Talks with all concerned parties, including regional States.
Other options
In a worst-case scenario, if the ship is rejected by all regional countries, there are other options left, such as Australia, New Zealand, USA Hawaii or most progressive chunk of the world, California.
They will have to accept the ship, especially if there won’t be any suspicious cases found after Feb 15.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Maritime Bulletin
