Seafarers

Samoa Shipping Services has confirmed that the seafarers will join other Samoans working on the MSC Vurtuosa and the MSC Seashore cruise ships.

The latest recruitment is the first for Samoa after a lapse of four months, said SSS Chief Executive Officer, Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai.

“In previous years, the highest number of new sailors’ recruited per group averages between 15-20,” added Lautimuia. “Our vision for the future is to increase these opportunities for all our graduates.”

The cases were identified on Monday and the ship has been quarantined for at least 14 days.

One of the fishermen who tested positive is i-Kiribati and the other a foreigner.

The i-Kiribati fisherman was returning home after completing a yearlong contract aboard a Taiwanese purse seiner, his last port-of-call before travelling to Kiribati was Papua New Guinea a month ago.

Before reaching Tarawa he transferred from the purse seiner to a carrier vessel or mothership, belonging to the same company, which is the vessel that is now under quarantine off of Tarawa.

There are now two local seafarers quarantined offshore.

Curfew begins today from 9pm-6am Friday. 

Emergency alert now up from 1 to 3, masks mandatory and social gatherings banned.

Meanwhile, the Kiribati Catholic Church has told its members on South Tarawa and Betio to cease all gatherings and fundraising activities to support Government’s efforts in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

The Church’s Vicar General told Radio Kiribati News members are also required to wear face masks and practice social distancing during church masses.