The NSW Police Force Marine Area Command has concluded the largest maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour to coordinate the crew movements and departure of five cruise ships.
‘Operation Nemesis’, planned and executed by the NSW Police Marine Area Command, worked closely with the NSW Ports Authority and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to coordinate the safe return of the ships to their home ports.
Following the departure of the Spectrum of the Seas and the Radiance of the Seas yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020) afternoon, the three remaining Royal Caribbean ships were also anchored in the harbour during the course of Saturday evening and the early hours of this morning (Sunday 5 April 2020).
The Voyager of the Seas was the first of the final three vessels to leave NSW waters departing about 8pm (Saturday 4 April 2020) to return to an international port. It was followed by the Ovation of the Seas about midnight (Sunday 5 April 2020) and the Celebrity Solstice about 1.45am.
In total more than 1300 crew members, who were Foreign Nationals, were moved between the five ships in numerous tender operations, before the ships departed NSW waters to return to their home countries.
Five Australian crew members elected to remain on the ships and continue to international ports.
Man charged following stabbing – Fingal Bay
A man has been charged over an alleged stabbing in the state’s Hunter region today.
Just before 2.20am (Sunday 5 April 2020), emergency services were called to a house on Shoreline Drive, Fingal Bay, after reports of an assault.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived to find a 27-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds to his back.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a stable condition following surgery.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident commenced.
Following inquiries, the older man was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV) and affray.
Police will allege in court that the two men – who are known to each other – were fighting, before the younger man was stabbed in the lower back.
The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court via AVL tomorrow (Monday 6 April 2020).
Police investigation launched into actions surrounding Ruby Princess
The NSW Police Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month.
After being tasked by the NSW Premier to conduct initial investigations, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller today (Sunday 5 April 2020) announced that a criminal investigation is now underway to fully examine the communications, actions, and other circumstances that led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020.
The investigation is being led by the Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Dickinson, who is experienced in complex and protracted investigations, with oversight from the NSW Coroner.
It is expected the investigation will involve interviewing thousands of witnesses, including the Ruby Princess’ captain and doctors, the crew and passengers; and staff from various Commonwealth and NSW Government offices and agencies.
Commissioner Fuller said his initial assessment of the vessel’s pratique left questions about the transparency in conceptualising the health conditions of passengers and crew in relation to COVID-19.
“I’ve examined a number of phone calls between NSW Ambulance, NSW Port Authority and NSW Police that stemmed from the initial 17-minute Triple Zero call from the ship to NSW Ambulance on 18 March,” the Commissioner said.
“There appears to have been an exceptional amount of effort put in by Ports to determine the true nature of the conditions on board – and even delayed the vessels arrival until they were provided additional information.
“After reviewing the information at hand, the only way I can determine whether our national biosecurity laws or our state laws were broken is through a criminal investigation.”
The Commissioner added that investigators will examine the actions of everyone involved – whether from the cruise company or government agencies.
“This is a complex issue and we will need information from many witnesses to answer all the questions about how this ship ended up docking last month,” the Commissioner said.
“We are mindful that some of the key information we need will also come from passengers, so I urge those who were on-board to reach out to us – please contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.”
Anyone who was on-board the Ruby Princess and has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the journey is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Aspen Medical are continuing to assess the health of the crew on board the Ruby Princess and have developed a plan in conjunction with NSW Health, the NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command, and Australian Border Force to manage their welfare until they can depart Australian waters.
Police have been advised that up to 200 of the 1040 crew members currently on board the vessel are displaying symptoms, while 16 crew members are confirmed to have returned positive results for COVID-19.
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
CHARGES:
– About 9am today (Sunday 4 April 2020), lifeguards at Bondi Beach approached police for assistance with a man who had ignored the council’s ‘beach closed’ signs. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command spoke with a 21-year-old man and cautioned him for failing to comply with terms of notice erected by council. After the man allegedly refused to follow move-on directions, he was arrested, during which, he allegedly coughed at an officer, claiming to have COVID-19. He was taken to Waverley Police Station and charged with fail to comply with terms of notice erected by council, fail or refuse to comply with requirement of police officer, resist officer in execution of duty and intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court tomorrow (Monday 6 April 2020). It has since been confirmed that the man does not have COVID-19.
– A 59-year-old man has been charged with trespassing and breaching the Public Health Act after officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to a Dee Why hotel about 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020). The same man has already been issued with two PINs (Thursday 2 and Friday 3 April 2020) for similar breaches. He’s due to appear in Manly Local Court on Wednesday 3 June 2020.
– A man has been charged over allegedly breaching an Apprehensive Violence Order and not complying with the Public Health Act. Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a home in East Maitland about 9.30am yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), responding to reports a woman was being assaulted. They arrested a 26-year-old man at the scene and took him to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, possess prohibited drug, and not comply with direction under section 7. He’s been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 5 April 2020).
– A 37-year-old man claiming to have COVID-19 virus will appear in Nowra court today after allegedly assaulting and spitting at officers. Officers from South Coast Police District were attempting to arrest the man about 8.30am yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), when he allegedly punched an officer in the face. It’s alleged the man spat in the face of the injured senior constable, while claiming to have the COVID-19 virus. He’s been charged with assault police causing actual bodily harm, assault police, and intimidate police.
PINS:
A total of 18 new Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued in relation to alleged breaches of the Public Health Act:
– About 2.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Murrumbidgee Police District were called to Benerembah Lane, Griffith, following reports of an intoxicated person. A 55-year-old man was spoken to and moved on from the area. At 4pm the same day, officers returned after the man was seen again in that location and could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. Police were also made aware that he had been warned to obey social distancing regulations on Tuesday 31 March 2020. The man was issued a penalty infringement notice (PIN).
– About 5pm Friday 3 April 2020, police attached to New England Police District attended a licensed premise in Tenterfield Street, Deepwater. They spoke to a 27-year-old man, who was sitting with a group of patrons drinking. He was issued with a PIN as he had been spoken to by police the previous day about social-distancing and issued with a warning.
– A 37-year-old Newtown man has been issued with a PIN after officers from Inner West PAC spoke with him twice on Friday night about breaching the Public Health Act. Police spoke with the man on Federation Road about 8.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, where he was warned about associating with four other adults. About two hours later, the same man was stopped on King Street, Newtown, and was then issued with a PIN.
– About 8.30pm Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command noticed a car double parked in Restwell Street, Bankstown. Officers pulled over the car and spoke to the 20-year-old female driver and her 21-year-old female passenger. The pair were unable to provide a valid reason for driving around. The passenger provided incorrect identification information to the police and become argumentative. She was issued with a PIN. The driver was issued with an official move on direction.
– Just after 10.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were patrolling San Cristobal Drive, Green Valley, when they saw three men – one aged 36 and two 18-year-olds – not obeying social distancing regulations. The men were spoken to and could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. Two of the men had allegedly exited a vehicle believed to have been stolen. All three were issued PINs. Investigations regarding the vehicle are continuing.
– At 1.15am Saturday 4 April 2020, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command pulled over a car after it had allegedly accelerated away after seeing police on Edgar Street, Bankstown. The 30-year-old driver was spoken to by police about his reason for driving. He was unable to provide a valid reason and changed his version several times and continued to be argumentative with police. He was issued with a PIN.
– A passenger in a car being driven by a food delivery driver has been issued with a PIN by officers from Quakers Hill Police Area Command. Police stopped the vehicle about midday yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020) and spoke with two people in the car. The driver was employed delivering food; however, police allege the 33-year-old woman from Toongabbie, who was the front-seat passenger, was only there because she said she was bored being at home.
– A 38-year-old woman has been issued with a PIN after she was found drinking with six people in Jonson Street, Byron Bay, just before 6pm yesterday, in breach of the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District had issued a warning to the woman earlier in the day.
– Police investigating an alleged assault at a home in Goulburn last night have issued two men with PINs for breaching the Public Health Act. Officers from The Hume Police District were called to the home in Teece Place about 9.20pm (Saturday 4 April 2020), after a 34-year-old man sustained a cut above his eye. He was treated at Goulburn Hospital and released. Police later issued him and his 24-year-old friend with a PIN; inquiries are continuing into the alleged assault.
– A man has been issued with a PIN after being stopped at the Sydney Opera House about 10.15pm yesterday. Officers from Sydney City PAC had already issued the man last Wednesday (1 April 2020), with a warning about breaching the Public Health Act.
– Two people were given PINs and three people received cautions after gathering for a barbeque in the state’s north. Yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), about 11pm, officers attached to New England Police District responded to a noise complaint at a caravan park on Rouse Street, Tenterfield. Five people were in the bungalow; breaching ministerial orders related to the congregation of more than two people. A 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were identified as people who had previously received cautions for not complying with ministerial directions and were fined $1000. The three others were issued with cautions.
– Just after midnight (Sunday 5 April 2020), officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command attended the Lilli Pilli Baths, in Lilli Pilli, following reports of a gathering of people not adhering to social distancing regulations. Police attended and spoke with four men – aged 22, 24, 19 and 19 – who were drinking and having a barbeque. Officers reminded them of their requirements under the Public Health Act and asked them to move on; however, the men became argumentative and refused to leave. All three men were issued infringement notices.
Man charged after spitting on officer, claiming to have COVID-19 virus
A man claiming to have COVID-19 virus will appear in court today after allegedly assaulting and spitting at officer’s while being arrested on the state’s south coast yesterday.
About 8.30am (Saturday 4 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District attended Scenic Drive, Nowra, and spoke with a man who had been seen acting erratically.
The man allegedly punched a senior constable in the face. The injured officer struggled with the man, and further police attended to assist with OC spray deployed.
During the struggle, it is alleged the man spat in the face of the injured senior constable, while claiming to have the COVID-19 virus.
The 37-year-old man was arrested and taken to Shoalhaven Hospital under police guard.
After being released, he was taken to Nowra Police Station and charged with two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, assault officer in execution of duty. and intimidate police in execution of duty.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Nowra Local Court today (Sunday 5 April 2020).
During the arrest the senior constable sustained bruising and abrasions to his face. The senior constable who assisted in the arrest sprained her wrist.
Temporary Visa Holders: Greens
The government’s response to temporary visa holders in Australia is cruel and callous, Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Nick McKim says.
“Temporary visa holders are guests in our country and many have lost jobs and income. They need genuine income support right now,” Senator McKim said.
“The government is turning its back on people in their hour of need, just as it has done to people seeking asylum for years.”
“Not all temporary visa holders have the financial capacity to simply leave. For them this is a sentence to poverty and hunger.”
“This decision will have serious public health implications. How can we ask people to self isolate without income and in some cases without a home?”
“We would expect other countries to look after Australians stuck there, and we should do the same for their people.”
International Students Abandoned In Heartless Visa Announcement
Australian Greens Senator for NSW and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the federal government has abandoned international students to the risk of poverty and homelessness. Today the government confirmed it would provide no financial support for international student visa holders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Faruqi has called for income support for international students during the COVID-19 crisis.
Senator Faruqi said:
“In this pandemic, international students have lost their jobs, found themselves unable to pay rent or put food on the table, and face living in squalid conditions.
“Hundreds of international students have contacted me over the last few days to share their stories of unemployment, financial stress and precarious living situations.
“Now, the government has confirmed they will not lift a finger to support these hundreds of thousands of students who we welcomed into our country and whose fees and work we’ve all benefited from.
“International students contribute enormously to the Australian community. But the government has abandoned them completely.
“The government must extend the Coronavirus Supplement to international students and make JobKeeper payments available to them as well.
“Minister Tudge says students should look to family support to get them through this. But many of these students come from countries also severely impacted by the pandemic, where lockdowns and health crises have resulted in business closures and losses of income. Family support can no longer be relied upon.
“If we truly are all in this together, then the ‘all’ must include international students in strife.
“We are at risk of a serious humanitarian crisis if the government does not step in and support international students as a matter of urgency,” she said.
Charges laid after two police officers allegedly assaulted – Hunter Region
A man will appear in court today charged after allegedly assaulting two police officers in the Hunter Valley region overnight.
About 8.30pm (Friday 3 April 2020), officers from Hunter Valley Police District stopped a Ford Laser sedan on Heddon Street, Kurri Kurri, and spoke with the driver, a 38-year-old man.
The driver allegedly resisted officers while they conducted a search. As he was being arrested, the man allegedly punched a senior constable in the head before OC spray was deployed.
The man allegedly fled the area and, following a short foot pursuit, he was arrested again.
Police will allege in court that during this arrest, the man punched a second female senior constable in the head.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, and three counts of assault police officer in execution of duty.
The Waratah man has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 4 April 2020).
Fourth man charged following three pursuits in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle
A fourth person will face court today charged over his alleged role in three separate pursuits across the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region.
About 12.25am yesterday (Friday 3 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were patrolling the Cardiff area, when they spotted a Volkswagen Polo on Main Street, which had allegedly been reported stolen earlier in the week from Valentine.
The vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed and a police pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued through several streets of Cardiff onto the Newcastle City Bypass, with the car allegedly travelling south in the northbound lanes; the pursuit was then terminated due to safety concerns.
A short time later, the car was spotted on Medcalf Street, Warners Bay, where police initiated a second pursuit. This was terminated a short time later; also due to safety reasons.
Then about 12.40am, police saw the car on Myall Road, Cardiff, and initiated a third pursuit.
The vehicle travelled through several suburbs – including Cardiff, Elermore Vale and Wallsend – before police terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns.
A short time later, officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling the area when they observed the car allegedly travelling at speed through the intersection of Walford and Thomas Streets, Wallsend.
The vehicle allegedly ran a red light and collided with a westbound silver Subaru.
No one was injured in the collision.
Four people exited the vehicle and ran from the scene.
Officers from Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Police Districts, with assistance from the Dog and Mounted Command, established a perimeter and arrested two men – aged 20 and 19 – and a 16-year-old boy.
All three were taken to Waratah Police Station and charged. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, investigators attended a home in Northfolk Street, Cardiff, and arrested a 19-year-old man just after 10pm yesterday.
He was taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences, including:
- two counts of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner,
- two counts of obtain property by deception,
- receive stolen property, goods in custody suspected of being stolen,
- possess prohibited drug, and
- possess housebreaking implements.
The Cardiff man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 4 April 2020).
NSW Police Marine Area Command coordinates five cruise ship operation
The NSW Police Force Marine Area Command is leading the largest maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour to coordinate the provisioning and crew movements of five cruise ships.
‘Operation Nemesis’, assisted by the Port Authority of NSW, has been working closely with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to safely coordinate the return of the ships to their home ports.
Following several days of planning, Spectrum of the Seas entered the port of Sydney about 4.30pm yesterday (Friday 3 April 2020), guided by a marine pilot, and anchored at Athol Bay to re-provision essential supplies, including fuel, food and medical materials.
It was joined by Radiance of the Seas which entered Sydney Harbour after 5am today (Saturday 4 April 2020).
More than 600 crew members, who are Foreign Nationals, were moved between the two ships in numerous tender operations, before both ships departed NSW waters to return to their home countries just before 2pm.
A third ship – Celebrity Solstice – entered Sydney Harbour just after 2pm, and a further two ships – Voyager of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas – are scheduled to enter the harbour later today.
A further 780 crew members will be transferred in multiple tender operations this evening, before the remaining three ships depart.
A total of five Australian crew members remain on the ships.
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Steve Hegarty, said the operation has been planned and executed by the Marine Area Command.
“NSW Police has been instrumental in facilitating the movement of more than 750,000 tonnes of shipping through the Port of Sydney over about a 30-hour period,” Supt Hegarty said.
“It will be the largest peace time maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour and has relied on the cooperation of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and the Port Authority of NSW to ensure its success.”
Further information will be available at the conclusion of the operation.