RUBY PRINCESS PASSENGERS ASKED TO COME FORWARD DURING POLICE INVESTIGATION
An investigation is now underway to examine the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month.
The infected Ruby Princess was green-lighted to anchor at Sydney Harbour on March 19 and allowed 2700 passengers to disperse into a city of 5 million people.
A team of 30 detectives began picking apart how that disastrous decision was made, and by who, at the investigation’s first briefing this morning.
Strike Force Bast investigators will interview high-priority witnesses in the coming days, but they are still urging other cruise passengers to come forward as soon as possible.
Anyone who has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the voyage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The community is reminded that their information is treated in strict confidence.
At least 15 fatalities, including a 76-year-old man from the Hunter New England, and more than 600 COVID-19 cases have been linked to the Ruby Princess, a vessel owned by Carnival Cruises.
NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller said cruise ships intending to dock in NSW had a “high responsibility” to report any COVID-19 symptoms and alert health authorities about any concerns.
“Did they or did they not do that?” Comm. Fuller asked.
There are also question marks over the roles NSW Health and other state and federal government apparatus played as the Ruby Princess was welcomed into Sydney with open arms.
