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Cruise cut short after passengers hospitalised
A Fred Olsen Cruises Lines’ ship has cut short a 17-day European cruise after at least six people were admitted to hospital with pneumonia-like symptoms.
The Black Watch ship is due back in the UK today, two days earlier than scheduled, as a precautionary measure.
The vessel is to be deep cleaned after all passengers have disembarked.
The ill passengers, said to be elderly, were admitted to hospital in Stockholm where they are expected to stay for a few days.
A company spokeswoman, quoted by the BBC, said: “If we get the ship back, we can get all the passengers and people off which will allow us to do a very thorough disinfection and cleansing.
“We do this in any event but it means we can have her in port for 24-48 hours and do a really good disinfection and cleansing regime and if there is anything lurking, it will get whacked.”
The spokeswoman also said: “It is important to remember that we do not know what the infection is, not do we know how it was contracted.”
The line also issued a statement which said: “Fred Olsen regards the health and safety of its passengers and crew as the highest priority and will take all steps necessary to eradicate all trace of the bacteria should it be found anywhere on the ship.”
Black Watch left Dover on the 17-day Baltic cruise with 750 passengers and 329 crew almost two weeks ago and had been due to return on Wednesday.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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