Kuala Lumpur, May 06: Malaysia International Shipping Corporation Berhad (MISC) confirmed today that the 10 Indian crew members of its chemical tanker, Bunga Melawis Satu, have been found to be free of SARS. The company received a letter from the Hong Kong Port Health Office (HKPHO) today confirming that the 10 Indian nationals, who displayed flu-like symptoms, had been found to be free of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

"The HKPHO stated that they were suffering from upper respiratory tract infection," Misc said in a statement, here. The tanker, which left Mathaput, Thailand, on April 28, was heading for the southern Chinese port of Huangpu, Guangzhou, when it made a diversion to Hong Kong on Monday after 10 of its 24 crew fell ill.

"The vessel was boarded by HKPHO officers who conducted a medical checkup onboard for the whole complement," the statement said. Misc said the 10 sick crew were then taken ashore for further observation and tests at Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong.

"After undergoing stringent medical checks, including X-rays and blood tests, they were confirmed not infected by SARS and discharged from the hospital," it said.

Misc said the port health disinfection team of the Hong Kong Department of Health carried out a disinfection of the vessel on Sunday. Bureau Report