Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has cancelled the upcoming voyage of research vessel (RV) Investigator after a voyage participant tested positive for COVID-19. The safety and wellbeing of CSIRO’s people and partners remains our number one focus.
The positive result was returned during an extended pre-departure medical clearance period being served on the ship while at port in Hobart. This screening process was implemented under strict Voyage COVID-19 Protocols.
CSIRO advised Tasmanian public health authorities and TasPorts of the positive case and is following all advice and directions provided.
Voyage participants have been deemed close contacts and have entered quarantine for seven days in appropriate accommodation.
CSIRO is assisting participants to quarantine and is providing them with support during this time. Medical professionals have provided advice and direct support to voyage participants on the ship to ensure they receive the best possible care for their health and wellbeing.
RV Investigator was due to depart on a 56-day voyage to Antarctica led by Geoscience Australia. This voyage was to study previous changes in Antarctic bottom water to help predict how a warming climate will impact future ocean circulation.
We will work closely with voyage partners to look at possible alternative options to conduct this research.
CSIRO seeks to manage all voyages with strict Voyage COVID-19 Protocols in place to protect the health and safety of voyage participants, crew and the community. This includes COVID-19 testing prior to arrival in Tasmania (for interstate participants), before boarding the vessel, and then again during an extended medical clearance period while in port.
