Advertisement

Coronavirus-stricken Ruby Princess cruise leaves Australian waters

The Ruby Princess cruise ship is on its way out of Australia after leaving the dock at Port Kembla where it was moored for more than a fortnight following a COVID-19 outbreak.

The boat, so far linked to 21 coronavirus deaths and up to 600 infections across the country, was led out of the Wollongong, NSW, port shortly before 5pm on Thursday.

Marine Traffic data indicated the Ruby Princess was bound for Manila in the Philippines.

Earlier on Thursday, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters about 500 crew members remained on board.

Coronavirus-stricken Ruby Princess cruise finally leaves Australian waters
People were seen waving the cruise ship goodbye on Thursday. Source: AAP

On Thursday, 368 Filipino nationals disembarked the cruise ship in an operation coordinated by the Marine Area Command, Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Australian Defence Force.

Eleven of those crew members, who tested positive to COVID-19, were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to enter quarantine.

The remainder were taken to Sydney Airport ahead of their return to the Philippines on Thursday evening.

In the last three days, 542 crew were escorted from the ship to be repatriated to their home countries, including Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Crew were also sent back to Poland, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Ruby Princess cruise ship departing Port Kembla in Wollongong. Source: AAP
The Ruby Princess cruise ship departing Port Kembla in Wollongong. Source: AAP

A total of 33 crew members were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to be cared for in isolation until they could be medically cleared and sent home.

Once these crew members have recovered – and subject to a medical clearance by NSW Health – they will be transported to Sydney Airport to fly back to their countries of origin.

“The ship is now in a position to set sail,” NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant told reporters on Thursday morning.

Cruise operator Carnival Australia said the priority had been to ensure the health of the crew on board was stable before the ship departed.

With AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.