Law firm concerned about illness on Fred Olsen ship

Lawyers are investigating cases of illness on four separate cruises on Fred. Olsen’s Boudicca this year and for the fifth consecutive year on the ship.

Irwin Mitchell says it is worried and disappointed that passengers had suffered gastric illness on board Boudicca during March, April and May, and in previous years.

"There are very strict procedures that need to be followed in order to prevent the spread of illness on cruise ships including, where appropriate, deep cleaning of the vessel," said Suki Chhokar, a specialist travel lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

"As part of our ongoing investigation we will be carefully considering the adequacy of the steps taken by Fred. Olsen to protect their passengers and reduce the risk of them suffering illness."

Chhokar urged any other passengers or crew with information about the extent of illness suffered on any of these cruises on board the Boudicca, or with knowledge of the steps taken to halt the spread of illness, to contact the law firm as soon as possible.

"To hear of repeated problems not only year-on-year but in three separate months this year is a cause of great concern. We hope that all possible steps are taken by Fred. Olsen to prevent any future passengers suffering illness. Meanwhile our clients’ claims continue."

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed that a number of guests have been affected by gastro-enteritis-type symptoms on board Boudicca on some recent cruises.
 
"As a result of these gastro-enteritis outbreaks, Boudicca has undergone intensive ‘deep cleans’ and sanitising operations by independent specialist contractors upon its arrival back in Liverpool and this was extended to cover the Cruise Terminal, as an additional precaution," said a spokesman.
 
"The gastro-enteritis virus is spread very easily by contact with surfaces and from person to person, and all Fred. Olsen guests are made aware of the importance of meticulous hygiene at all times; guests are asked to complete a medical questionnaire before embarkation, and are reminded regularly to use the sanitising hand gel provided and to take the necessary precautions on board to minimise the infection.
 
"Every precaution is taken on board to ensure the swift containment of any gastric illness. Frequent cleaning of all areas of the ship is carried out, in line with Fred. Olsen’s outbreak prevention and control plan approved by the UK Port Health Authority, and guests are advised to minimise their use of public toilets on the ship to further minimise infection.

"Any person becoming symptomatic of the virus is placed in isolation and remains in isolation for a period of 48 hours after becoming symptom-free.  Upon completion of the isolation period each person is subsequently released by the Medical Department.
 
"At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the health, safety and well-being of our guests and crew on board remains our priority at all times, and we believe that our systems for preventing the spread of illness on board our ships are amongst the best within the industry. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships meet, at all times, the highest safety, hygiene and health standards, and comply fully with the strict requirements and inspections of their Flag State and relevant authorities."
 
The spokesman added that gastro-enteritis viruses can be found anywhere in the UK, particularly prevalent during periods of cold weather.