The COVID-19 pandemic is already challenging the seafarers and passengers who are left onboard cruise ships in Australian waters, after the country decided to ban all foreign cruise vessels as soon as possible.
In mid-march, Australia along with New Zealand announced the ban of cruise ships arrivals at their foreign ports to avoid the spread of the disease, beginning for 30 days.
Despite the country’s decision, the Maritime Union of Australia and the International Transport Workers’ Federation condemned the brutal treatment of more than 15,000 international crew from more than 50 nationalities engaged in the cruise ship industry in Australian waters.
Ordering flag of convenience ships back to their home ports demonstrates no understanding of the industry and sets a fully crewed flotilla adrift at the worst possible time,
… both Unions highlighted.
Following, Australia launched a criminal investigation regarding the COVID-19 infected cruise ship Ruby Princess which was allowed to dock in Sydney before releasing thousands of passengers directly into the community, while there have been more than 600 confirmed cases linked to the vessel, with 11 of the subsequently dead.
