Ruby Princess docks at Port Kembla

The Ruby Princess, with only crew onboard, docks at Port Kembla, Wollongong, Australia, 06 April 2020.

A criminal investigation will be launched into how cruise line operator Carnival Australia could disembark Ruby Princess passengers in Sydney, resulting in several deaths and COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the country.

For weeks now, the ship had been stuck floating off Sydney’s coast with about 1,000 crew on board. Last week, officials had to evacuate some who had fallen ill – and that number has now jumped to about 200.

Due to the crew’s welfare and the police probe, the vessel was finally allowed to dock at a port south of Sydney this morning. Australia says it will take the sick crew to hospital, but no-one else will be allowed off.

Via EPA-EFE/DEAN LEWINS