CSIRO forced to cancel Antarctic voyage due to Covid case among expeditioners

The CSIRO has cancelled its upcoming research voyage to Antarctica after an expeditioner tested positive to Covid, forcing other travellers into isolation.

THE CSIRO has cancelled its upcoming research voyage to Antarctica after an expeditioner tested positive for Covid-19.

The case was discovered after a pre-departure screening process on board the vessel while it was in port in Hobart.

“RV Investigator was due to depart on a 56-day voyage to Antarctica led by Geoscience Australia,” a CSIRO spokesperson said.

“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.”

The RV Investigator during a previous voyage to Antarctica. Picture: CSIRO Marine National Facility

Other travellers have been close contacts of the positive individual and are now in quarantine for seven days.

“CSIRO is assisting participants to quarantine and is providing them with support during this time,” the spokesperson said.

“Medical professionals have provided advice and direct support to voyage participants on the ship to ensure they received the best possible care for their health and wellbeing.”

RV Investigator

The spokesperson said the research organisation had strict measures in place for dealing with Covid.

“CSIRO seeks to manage all voyages with strict voyage Covid protocols in place to protect the health and safety of voyage participants, crew and the community,” they said.

“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.”

The Department of Public Health and TasPorts have been informed of the positive case.