
STI San Telmo; Jack Morse/CIGO
Potential COVID-19 cases have forced an oil tanker to anchor outside of Port Hawkesbury.
Transport Canada officials say they’re closely watching the situation on the foreign-flagged vessel, STI San Telmo.
In an emailed statement, Cybelle Morin tells The Hawk the ship will not be allowed to leave its anchorage, at Inhabitants Bay, without approval from the federal Public Health Agency.
“Our priority is the safety of Canadians and the members of the crew. The vessel is safely anchored,” she says. “The vessel can leave its anchorage only when the Public Health Agency of Canada agrees.”
She says the vessel doesn’t present a risk to port personnel or marine safety.
Morin says the sailors are following public health guidelines while the vessel is stopped.