The Braemar cruise ship carrying five persons who have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus will not be permitted to dock in The Bahamas and passengers and crew will not be allowed to disembark.

This decision is based on consideration for the protection of the health and safety of the Bahamian people and residents of The Bahamas.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has been in constant communication with the owners of the Braemer, which is a Bahamas-flagged ship.

The BMA has reaffirmed to the Braemar that should it arrive in Bahamian waters, The Bahamas will do all that it can to provide humanitarian assistance. This may include providing fuel, food, water and other supplies as needed by the vessel.

The BMA continues to monitor the well-being of passengers and crew with updates at regular intervals.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people who have contracted the coronavirus and who are at immediate risk.