Cruise ship passengers to be flown to Germany

HUNDREDS of people stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of Western Australia will be evacuated to Germany within days.

However, seven passengers with coronavirus will be treated locally.

Most of the almost 832 passengers aboard the German-owned Artania vessel will be dispatched to Frankfurt on charter flights.

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Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has been in regular contact with the German ambassador to discuss their plight.

“By the end of the weekend, nearly all of them will be evacuated on three planes back to Germany,” Senator Cormann told Sky News on Friday.

Seven people aboard the ship – five guests and two crew members – have been infected with coronavirus and are showing mild symptoms.

Senator Cormann indicated they would receive medical care in Australia.

“Some appropriate arrangements will be put in place locally, again, in close coordination and consultation between the federal and state governments,” he said.

Australian Border Force officers have been working with WA Police to deal with the unwanted ship near Fremantle.

“There is close coordination at all levels,” Senator Cormann said.

“We’re all working very hard to resolve this in the best possible way.”

Guests returning to Germany will only be allowed to take one piece of luggage, and will be accompanied by company tour guides.

“Guests on board who are not permanently resident in Germany are also transported on these full charter flights, provided that the onward journey from Frankfurt to the foreign hometown is guaranteed,” the company said.

“In order to be able to organise this, we are in contact with the respective embassies or consulates.”

The company also issued a direct request to people with relatives aboard the cruiseliner.

“We assure you that we will do everything possible on board and in Germany to ensure that your relatives and friends are well on board and that everyone will return home safely soon,” the company said.

“Please refrain from calling our head office and help us to organise the return trip of your loved ones as quickly and easily as possible.”

– AAP