Peace lost in the darkness

In January, a ship sailed out from Asia to Europe.

The sailors were having fun in the recreation room when someone said that a virus has been killing people in the Wuhan province of China.

The highest precautions have been taken on the ship like all placesA warning board has been hung on the gangway, along with all disinfectants, including hand sanitizers, masks and gloves, when this photo was taken. Photo: Subrata Dey

That was when everyone on board uttered in chorus "coronavirus" - it was the first time they got acquainted with the word. A deafening silence followed.

As can be seen in this picture, the ship's crew is checking their temperature when two South Korean port authorities are on board. There was no mask on the face of the ship's crew in the picture which was neglected and which is dangerous for everyone. Photo: Subrata Dey

Covid-19 was everywhere and words such as death, isolation, infection and pandemic overshadowed everything else.

The fear of the virus came spread silently, as every nook and corner of the ship fell silent. Everyone on board was researching on how to stay healthy and stave off the virus.

Days later, dreadful news came: some ships have been infected by Covid-19, including a US warship. Fear gripped the sailors, some of whom wanted to sign off from the ship.

The downpour never stopped the ship's work. Again, for the protection of Covid 19, the people of Shore stopped entering. So the picture shows the people of the ship and the shore busy at the cargo meeting outside in the rain. Photo: Subrata Dey

The shipping company reassured everyone that maximum protection would be provided and crowds on ships would be reduced. By the end of February, the ship was heading for Asia, its destination was China.

The picture shows a ship crew operating a cargo operation wearing full PPE to avoid being infected with the corona virus. The picture was taken from a Chinese port. Photo: Subrata Dey

The company suspended all sign off program indefinitely. All ports cancelled shore pass for going out.

PPEs arrived on the ship before the ship reached China and the protection training started. Meanwhile, many sailors were struggling with family problems.

Mariners are seen talking about documents at a cargo meeting. They all have gloves on their hands to protect them from infection. The picture was taken at China Port. Photo: Subrata Dey

Suddenly news came that the father of a junior officer had died. No flight arrangements were made due to the country being in lockdown and he could not see his father for the last time.

Cadet Maruf .This is his first voice. At every moment, the panic of Kovid 19 makes him sad. His dirty eyes on Gangway Watch Duty show concern for his family. Every day news of death from the country is making him more scared. Photo taken from Ulsan Port, South Korea. Photo: Subrata Dey

The ship arrived at the Chinese ports with frustrated sailors. Locked in a foreign land, away from family, the sailors fought to keep themselves healthy.

The wait was getting longer. The virus had gripped the lives of everyone,  leaving them in such a state that the sailors forgot to smile. The first message to the family after work every day was "You stay healthy, stay home, I'm fine".