Medical workers from Zhoushan takes a swab sample from a sailor on the Panamanian vessel Hongjin for a COVID-19 nucleic acid test. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsrbs]

Sailors on the Panamanian cargo ship Hongjin say that they are doing well and are being well-treated in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province after the city responded to an emergency rescue request made after several of its members reported fever symptoms.

"Our sailors on duty are really reassured and look forward to getting off the ship as soon as possible," said one of the Hongjin sailors, after 11 of the 20 sailors tested positive for COVID-19 and were hospitalized for treatment in Zhoushan on Aug 9.

The remaining nine sailors on the Panamanian vessel were required to disinfect the ship and prepare for disembarkation.

The vessel departed from the Philippines on June 30 with the intended port of entry being Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province.

"It is the Zhoushan municipal government that saved us," said one of the nine sailors. "The infected colleagues have been hospitalized, while medical supplies and food have been sent to us."

In addition, respiratory specialists from Zhoushan and Tianjin have provided the sailors with 24-hour online support, while Zhoushan authorities are checking the physical conditions of the sailors on board every hour.

"We're not prepared to unload the cargo in Zhoushan, or refuel the vessel in the city either. Still, Zhoushan reached out to us under so much pressure, so we really appreciate it," said one of the sailors.