(Reuters) – Authorities have confirmed that there were approximately two dozen COVID-19 cases among crew members of an Australian warship, which was on its way to provide humanitarian assistance to Tonga.

Tonga authorities, which were hit hard by the tsunami and volcanic eruptions of Jan. 15, asked for assistance to be sent without contact with people. They are concerned about the possibility that a COVID epidemic could be deadly for their tiny Pacific island nation.

HMAS Adelaide, which left Brisbane with large amounts of humanitarian aid and water purification equipment as well as helicopters, was due to reach Tonga within the next few days.

Peter Dutton from Australia, Defence Minister, stated that 23 Australian personnel tested positive for COVID aboard the ship.

Dutton on Sky News stated that “We will cooperate with the Tongan authorities and keep that vessel at Sea to ensure there is no threat to the environment”

“They need it desperately, but they don’t want the COVID threat,”

Dutton’s office informed Reuters that HMAS Adelaide was on its way towards Tonga. The ship has 600 crew members.

Tonga was last week visited by aid planes from Australia and New Zealand. The goods transferred were done without contact. An Australian aid flight had to be rerouted after a COVID-19 incident occurred mid-flight.

Last week, a New Zealand-based aid vessel arrived in New Zealand. Additional aid from Japan, Britain and New Zealand is on its way.

Red Cross, United Nations and other relief agencies in Tonga warned of a COVID-19 epidemic that could strike the island.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption https://graphics.reuters.com/TONGA-VOLCANO/lgpdwjyqbvo triggered a tsunami that destroyed villages and resorts and knocked out communications for the nation of about 105,000 people. According to authorities, three deaths have been confirmed.