According to AFP , the MS Zaandam yacht is owned by Holland America Line. The ship carried 1,243 passengers and 586 crew and 8 medical doctors. About 130 people on board were thought to have flu-like symptoms.

"Holland America Line confirmed 4 elderly passengers di‌ed on MS Zaandam. Yesterday people with respiratory symptoms were tested for Covid-19 and 2 people tested positive," the statement said. The carrier’s said.

Previously, the MS Zaandam yacht left the capital of Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 7 before Holland America Line decided to stop a series of voyages around the globe at least 30 days and plan to end the current journey in time. come to take passengers back home. The voyage is scheduled to end on March 21 in the nearest country, Chile, but the government does not allow the ship to dock.

The ship was trying to move to Florida, USA, but before reaching it it had to pass the Panama Canal, but Panama officials refused to let the ship through.

"The Panama Ministry of Health does not allow the ship to pass, if they conduct tests on the people on board and if there are any cases positive for Covid-19, the ship will be forced to quarantine," said Ricaurte Vasquez. The Panama Canal Authority said March 27.

Last month, the MS Westerdam yacht, managed by Holland America Line, carrying thousands of people, finally arrived in Cambodia after sailing for more than half a month because many countries refused to dock due to concerns about the outbreak of Covid. -19.