Australian Navy Assists in Search for Lost Cruise Passengers

The Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules and her MRH 90 helicopter have been involved in the air and sea search for two people believed lost from the Carnival Line cruise ship Carnival Spirit off the New South Wales mid-north coast.

HMAS Choules joined the search on Thursday afternoon as she was returning from North Queensland where she was conducting amphibious training exercises. The ship and her helicopter have now been released from the search which was co-ordinated by the New South Wales Water Police. Choules is now on her way to her home port in Sydney.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, praised the efforts of Commander Ashley Papp, Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules and his ship’s company.

“The thoughts of the wider Navy are with the families of those affected by this very sad event,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.