Australia has barred 11 cruiseships from docking and 11,000 crew members from repatriating over coronavirus fears, but the nation's seafarers union is urging their welcome to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Home affairs minister Peter Dutton has alleged that some are giving false numbers after the release of new data from vessels off the nation's coast, The Financial Times reported.

“It’s clear that some of the companies have been lying about the situation of the health of passengers and crew on board,” Dutton told publication.