Pumanaw na ang Pilipinong crew sa Grand Princess cruise ship na kasalukuyang nakadaong sa California dahil sa Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Kinumpirma ito ni Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr., ng Philippine Consulate General sa San Francisco, California.
"I wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to the family and co-workers of the Grand Princess crew member, who passed away on April 1 (Pacific Standard Time). It is with deep sadness that we join his family, relatives and friends, in mourning his passing,” ayon kay Bensurto.
“We salute him for his dedication to his job and for the sacrifices that he had made for his family. Earlier today during our online First Friday Mass we offered our prayers for the eternal repose of his soul," dagdag pa nito.
Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang konsulado sa mga awtoridad ng Estados Unidos para sa disposisyon ng mga labi ng yumaong crew gayundin ang pagprotekta at repatriation ng iba pang crew member.
Samantala, mahigit sa 400 Filipino crew personnel at pasahero ng Grand Princess cruise ship ang nakabalik na sa Pilipinas noong kalagitnaan ng Marso at sila'y isinailalim sa 14-day quarantine sa New Clark City, Tarlac.