Written for the February 19, 2021, issue of Penguin News by Nicholas Roberts

THERE are 28 cases of Covid-19 aboard a fishing vessel, the Argos Pereira, which has been required to quarantine in the port of Montevideo, Uruguay, leading to public criticism from the Galician Unions Confederacy (Confederación Intersindical Galega, or CIG) of both fishing companies and the Galician government.

Head of the CIG-Mar, Mr Xavier Aboi, stated: “It is clear that the controls are failing, which puts the health of the people who travel on these ships at serious risk.”

The Unions Confederacy, which has organised six significant general strikes in Galicia since its foundation, expressed concern in their statement that “The two ships left the port of Vigo for the fishing grounds of the Falklands after allegedly having carried out the relevant tests, so the union wonder how it is possible that there are massive infections among the crew.” They raised a belief that “the cases of boats with Covid cases are numerous, but that only some of them escalate because the companies do everything possible to keep them hidden.”

The cases on the Argos Pereira were identified following PCR testing of the whole crew, of whom three were showing mild symptoms on February 16. The statement from Argos said: “our main concern is to ensure the wellbeing of the crew and anyone who comes into contact with the ship and we are working closely with the authorities in the Falkland Islands and Uruguay to ensure that everything is carried out in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.”

The Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association (FIFCA) responded to the CIG comment, stating that the cases of Covid-19 on board vessels borne for the Falklands have occurred “despite the implementation of comprehensive precautionary measures at the port of departure and onboard vessels”.

“The unexpected occurrence of cases en-route is particularly disappointing given the commitment and very significant resources directed by the sector”, the statement continued, and stated that involved association members are receiving local support in ports where vessels have quarantined.

Current FIG policy states that vessels will not be permitted within Falklands the 12 mile territorial waters unless they have spent a minimum of two weeks quarantine at sea and do not have any crew members demonstrating symptoms or have known cases on board prior to arrival.

Nicholas Roberts