The Federal Government insists it has a humanitarian responsibility to passengers still onboard a cruise ship which remains docked at Fremantle.

The Artania has been issued a directive to leave after passengers were either transferred to Joondalup hospital or flown back to Germany earlier in the week.

Attorney General Christian Porter told Gareth Parker on Mornings he’s since been informed 12 passengers remain onboard – who are either too ill or frail to fly.

It’s understood the ship has requested to stay at Fremantle until mid-April.

Mr Porter says he’s not sure why that request would have been made.

Download this podcast here