The crew of an Australian warship expected to arrive in coronavirus-free Tonga on Wednesday has reported about two dozen cases of COVID-19. The ship is set to deliver humanitarian aid, Australian authorities said on Tuesday.

Tonga, hit by a massive volcanic eruption and a tsunami on Jan. 15, has asked for aid to be delivered without human contact amid concerns a COVID outbreak would be devastating for the tiny Pacific island nation.

Australia's Defence Minister Peter Dutton said 23 personnel aboard the HMAS Adelaide have tested positive for COVID. The ship, with a crew of about 600, left Brisbane on Friday carrying large quantities of humanitarian aid and medical supplies, helicopters and water purification equipment, as well as an Australian Army engineer contingent.

The ship is due to arrive in Tonga early on Wednesday, the department of defence said.

"We will work with the Tongan authorities to keep that vessel at sea to make sure there is no threat and obviously the Tongan government is discussing that at the moment," Dutton said on broadcaster Sky News.

"Obviously they need the aid desperately, but they don't want the risk of COVID."

In a later statement, the defence department said HMAS Adelaide would continue her mission, and ensure the aid was delivered in a COVID-safe manner.
-Reuters