The 'Margaritaville at Sea Paradise' fell short during an unexpected health inspection from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 1, 2024. The examination was conducted by Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) officials. The incident report, available on the CDC's website, showed the ship was given a failing score of 83. An 86 is needed to pass. One of the complaints listed was the ship's whirlpools, designed to hold a maximum of four people, had six bathers. The report also highlighted some sanitation concerns involving food and drink on the cruise. An investigator was also concerned about whether a crew member had washed his hands while working with food. The gloves worn by the crew member handling the ice making components of the ice machines were stored with tools. It was unclear if the crew member washed his hands before putting on gloves. There were glove boxes for food handlers on the bulkhead next to the ice machines that could be used instead. Water bottles were also found stored on soiled pallets, while food preparation areas were also found to be soiled and/or poorly lit. Another crew member was unable to demonstrate competency about chemicals to clean lettuce. The crew member washing lettuce heads and immersing them in an antimicrobial solution for fruits and vegetables could not demonstrate competency in verifying the concentration of the chemical used. He could not use a test strip correctly to verify the concentration of the solution and did not know what an acceptable test result would be. The CDC also noted that a freezer, several refrigerators and multiple deep fryers were all out of service. Following internal policies, immediate corrective actions have been taken to address the issues identified in the inspection. Many of these issues have already been resolved, and the operator will be working with USPH [United States Public Health] for a re-inspection as soon as possible.
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PESCADORE
Wanting for a fishing license for eight years, Samuel Deshayes, captain of the “Pescadore”, chose to block the gates of the port of Granville on May 15, 2024. With the fear of “losing everything” in the days to come, he decided to take a striking action. Since 6 a.m. the skipper was proclaiming his dismay under the watchful eye of the maritime gendarmerie, while apologizing to his colleagues for the inconvenience caused.
ANVIL POINT
On May 15, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard medevaced a 62-year-old critically ill crew member from the 'Anvil Point', en route from Dubai to Muara, off Kochi. Following the rescue operation, the patient was shifted to Renai Hospital in Ernakulam. The Coast Guard deployed the patrol ship 'C-410' for the operation. Report with photos and video: https://news.abplive.com/kerala/indian-coast-guard-evacuates-ill-crew-member-from-merchant-vessel-off-kochi-1687918
USAV JAMES LOUX
A combined effort between Cyprus, the UN, the United States and the United Kingdom is underway to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Departing from Larnaka port on May 15, 2024, the USAV 'James Loux'of the US Army, was en route to Gaza with a fresh shipment of aid for the population. Included on the aid ship is the first British humanitarian aid package for Gaza, which includes nearly 100 tonnes of materials, including 8,400 shelter coverage kits, as part of a £2 million aid package. The aid will be distributed within Gaza as soon as feasible. The pier built by the US Navy and Army will serve as a crucial entry point for aid, facilitating the delivery of international aid into Gaza. Report with photos: https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/humanitarian-aid-ship-en-route-to-gaza-expected-arrival-in-18-hours