Filipino seafarer with Indian COVID variant dies

A 63-year-old Filipino seafarer from the MV Athens Bridge, who was diagnosed with the COVID-19 B.1.617 variant first detected in India, died on Friday, May 21, due to complications from the virus.

The seafarer had pre-existing hypertension and was one of four B.1.617 variant cases from the MV Athens Bridge admitted to a hospital in Manila.

Out of the nine crew members of MV Athens Bridge found to have the B.1.617 variant, the remaining crew members have recovered and will be returning to their local government units.

The three other hospitalized B.1.617 variant cases from the MV Athens Bridge are currently recovering.

The deceased seafarer was one of 12 crew members of the MV Athens Bridge from India who earlier tested positive for the coronavirus.