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PA-based Coast Guard cutter crew cleared of COVID

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Port Angeles, WA (Sept. 6) -- The Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618), homeported in Port Angeles, Wa., underway in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. USCG photo by PA2 Jacquelyn Zettles

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SAN DIEGO — The entire crew of the Port Angeles-based Coast Guard cutter “Active” has now gotten the “all clear” from a possible COVID-19 outbreak.

Tests on the crew now in San Diego have come back negative for all.

The entire 72-person crew was quarantined and not allowed off the cutter earlier this week after alleged drug smugglers arrested at sea were infected with COVID-19.

It happened after a major drug bust May 12th off the coast of Central America where the “Active” had been working counter-narcotics. They apprehended a boat at sea loaded with over 2,000 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $37 million. Three suspects were taken aboard the cutter.

Coast Guard officials say one of the suspects showed COVID-19-like symptoms. The suspects were isolated.

The “Active” arrived in San Diego Wednesday where all three suspects tested positive for COVID-19.