Ten Indian SARS suspects in HK cleared

Worries of an outbreak of SARS [Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome] at sea subsided after doctors in Hong Kong brought 10 Indian sailors ashore and found no traces of the disease.

Health officials in full-body white protective gear boarded the Malaysian ship Bunga Melawis Satu on Sunday to check all 24 crewmembers, after 10 had complained of SARS-like symptoms and the captain made an emergency stop in Hong Kong waters.

After the 10 seamen, who were taken to Hong Kong's Princess Margaret hospital, underwent screening including chest X-rays and blood tests, doctors said they were clear of SARS.

The ship had called on three ports that had reported SARS deaths -- Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

The sailors apparently were being sent back to the ship. Hong Kong officials had ordered the other crewmembers to remain in quarantine aboard their vessel for 10 days. However, they added that the order would be revised if everything was clear.