The Ruby Princess has departed Port Kembla following the conclusion of the joint operation to facilitate the movement and repatriation of crew members to their home countries.
NSW Police Force has worked closely with Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Health, Aspen Medical, Princess Cruises and government officials from numerous overseas jurisdictions to ensure the safe movement and eventual return of the crew members to their countries of origin.
Officers from Marine Area Command, assisted by Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Australian Defence Force coordinated the disembarking of 368 Filipino nationals from the Ruby Princess at Port Kembla today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
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 tonight.
Over the last three days, a total of 542 crew members have been escorted from the ship to be repatriated to their home countries which include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States of America.
This included a total of 33 crew members who were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to be cared for in isolation until they can be medically cleared.
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.
Strict protocols are being maintained to ensure there is no health risk to the public.
The remaining crew have departed on board the Ruby Princess, which left Port Kembla about 4.30pm.
All agencies involved in the repatriation operation and the many agencies, departments, and companies who provided care and assistance to the crew in recent weeks wish them bon voyage.
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