Two cruise ships carrying nearly 2,700 passengers and crew, including 248 Canadians are on the move after being stranded off the coast of Panama following the deaths of four passengers with flu-like symptoms.
Holland America’s MS Zaandam and MS Rotterdam have passed through the Panama Canal and are sailing toward Florida.
Zaandam & Rotterdam exited the Panama Canal this morning. We appreciate the humanitarian compassion shown for our guests & crew by the govt of Panama & Panama Maritime Authority. We thank the various embassies for their support in our efforts to help get their citizens home.
— Holland America Line (@HALcruises) March 30, 2020
The MS Zaandam had been anchored on the west side of the canal after reporting four people on board had died nearly 200 passengers and crew were exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
The ship originally departed on its South American cruise on March 7. It was initially planning to dock 11 days ago in Punta Arenas, Chile to let passengers disembark, however, the country refused.
According to Holland America, because several people had tested positive for COVID-19, the Zaandam was initially not allowed to head through the Panama Canal, as canal officials had to board the vessel.
The ship ended up stuck off the coast of Panama, which sparked the company to send a second ship, the Rotterdam, to meet the Zaandam and transfer over healthy passengers with a priority focus on those over the age of 70 who have an inside cabin.
Last week, Nanaimo resident Elizabeth Pack told CHEK News that she was concerned about whether she’ll ever see her family and friends.
“We’re worried about whether we’ll see family and friends again. It would be nice to get home,” said Pack.
Pack and the others on board are one step closer to home, with both ships through the Panama Canal, but the journey appears far from over.
According to Holland America, it still does not have a port of destination in the United States for both cruise ships.
With files to Canadian Press.
CHEK News
