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AMANDA CROP
The fishing boat Irvinga awaited new crew in the port of Lyttelton
A Russian sailor appears to have died of natural causes when his ship was docked in Lyttelton harbor, waiting for other crew members to complete their managed isolation.
The man, believed to be 47 years old, spent two weeks in managed isolation in Auckland when he arrived in New Zealand, but his death is not related to Covid-19.
He is believed to have been found dead in his room when he failed to show up for work on Saturday morning. Police were called about his death at 8.15am.
He was on board the Independent Fisheries vessel Irvinga, It was docked and awaiting the arrival of another Russian crew, who completed their 14-day managed isolation at the Sudima Hotel near Christchurch airport on Saturday.
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Mark Allison, director and CEO of Independent Fisheries, said the man was in good health, as of yesterday, and there appeared to be “nothing wrong” in his death.
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
Russian fishermen have relied on the isolation quarantine facilities administered at the Sudima hotel.
“We don’t know the exact circumstances surrounding him, but based on what the ambulance staff said, it appears that he died of natural causes,” he said.
“Boarded the ship a little over a week ago and was fine. It’s just a series of tragic events, unfortunately. “
Irvinga is a 104m fishing boat and can accommodate a crew of 82 people.
There was no full complement on board at the time, but Allison said morale was low after the man’s death.
“Obviously, they are a bit depressed, so we have to make sure their well-being is taken care of.
Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter
The Iringa fishing boat, taken in 2014 by Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter.
“The most important thing for us is to respect his family now and make the necessary arrangements.”
A police spokeswoman said the death was believed to be a medical event and not related to Covid-19.
“The person involved has no connection to the Sudima (hotel),” he said.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said 230 people left the Sudima facility today, five remain and one person must isolate himself further.
