QE2 will dock in Durban, allowing SA crew members to disembark

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) cruise liner that has been stationed off the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline since Friday has been cleared to dock at the Durban port – but only to allow six South African crew members to disembark. 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has arrived at the port to observe the transfer of the crew members – who have all tested negative for coronavirus despite concerns that there is a positive case onboard – back onto land. 

There are 1 215 crew and 264 passengers onboard the world famous vessel. 

Dock clearance only for South African crew

The port authority, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), said that the ship would only dock so as to offload the crew before having essential goods loaded back on, refuelling, and setting sail back to the UK.

A medical doctor was deployed by the Department of Health to perform a random screening of passengers and crew and ascertain the degree to which the virus may have spread. The department has confirmed that the crew all tested negative. 

“The vessel has been positioned outside the port since Friday requesting clearance to berth to receive bunkers and stores. Final approval is awaited from the department of transport and the port health unit of the department of health, for the vessel to dock, refuel and disembark the six crew members before setting sail for Southampton in the United Kingdom.”

QE2 on course for Durban before lockdown

TNPA said that the ship was already on course to Durban before the lockdown measures were put in place by President Cyril Ramaphosa on March 24. 

“The cruise liner was already on its way to South Africa when the South African government announced a ban on cruise ships from March 18, although she was not among the initial six cruise ships which authorities confirmed would be permitted to dock in the country as an interim measure, following new regulations promulgated by the minister of transport on 18 March.”

“The regulations prohibit any disembarkations apart from returning South African citizens or permanent residents, and prohibit embarkations unless they are for departing foreign nationals,” TNPA said.