The Diamond Princess cruise ship. Photo: Getty
Camera IconThe Diamond Princess cruise ship. Photo: Getty Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

Perth man ‘contracts coronavirus’ on ship

AAPWestern Suburbs Weekly

A Perth woman says her elderly father has contracted coronavirus on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Japan and is being removed from the vessel.

Marcelly, who didn’t give her surname, told ABC radio a doctor told her father Val on Friday morning he had tested positive to the virus and would be taken to hospital. Her mother Iris returned a negative result and remains on the ship.

They had both boarded in Perth in “fantastic health”.

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“He’s actually feeling really good – that’s the strangeness about this situation,” she said.

“A lot of the crew have also fallen ill that are preparing the food so there are people saying it may be coming from the food, but again there’s nothing conclusive.

“My mum and dad both had a bit of mild gastro.”

She said her biggest worry was staying in contact with her father as he does not have a mobile phone.

Confirmation is being sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.