Crew member from cargo ship docked in WA tests positive for coronavirus

Coronavirus has been detected aboard another cargo ship off Western Australia.

A crew member from the Vega Dream iron ore bulk carrier moored off Port Hedland in the Pilbara region returned a "weak positive", WA health authorities said.

The mariner started to feel unwell yesterday morning and was transferred to hospital.

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Samples have been flown to Perth to determine whether the crew member was definitely infected with COVID-19.

The remaining 19 crew members are on board the ship, which had sailed to Port Hedland from Shanghai, via Manila.

The suspected case follows an outbreak on another cargo ship, the Patricia Oldendorff, which departed Port Hedland on Saturday.

The Health Department said the Vega Dream crew member was expected to have COVID-19, but further testing was needed.

Authorities said there was no risk to the 19 other crew members on board the ship, adding he was hopeful the vessel would leave the port today.

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