More than 1,000 passengers remain stuck on a UK-operated cruise ship in France after 49 people fell ill with a gastrointestinal illness.
Local health authorities in Bordeaux said three passengers had been isolated in their cabins on the Ambition, while other passengers will not be able to disembark at the port.
They added that there was “no reason” to link the outbreak to the hantavirus outbreak on another cruise ship.
Ambassador Cruise Line told the BBC that a 92-year-old man had died on board on Sunday, but did not report any related symptoms and the coroner has not yet determined the cause of his death.
The cruise operator added that “we are providing all our support to the friends and family of the deceased and express our sincere condolences to them at this difficult time.”
Ambassador Cruise Line said in another statement that, as of 10:00 GMT on Wednesday, Forty eight passengers were presenting with symptoms similar to those of a gastrointestinal illness, as well as one crew member.
There are currently 1,187 guests and 514 crew members aboard the ship, according to its operator.
The cruise set sail from Belfast on 8 May, before heading to Liverpool the following day.
In his statement, Ambassador noted that an increase in the number of cases had been reported after travelers boarded in Liverpool.
It stated that “several passengers and crew members aboard the Ambition have shown or are showing symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness.”
Gastrointestinal disease is a common condition that causes diarrhea and vomiting. Cases in adults are usually caused by norovirus or food poisoning.
The cruise line said enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols had been implemented throughout the ship “in accordance with public health procedures established following initial reports of illness.”
Measures introduced since the disease was first reported included increased cleaning and disinfection in public areas, as well as continued guidance to passengers on hand hygiene and reporting of symptoms to the onboard medical team.
As part of a scheduled stop in Bordeaux, in southwestern France, the operator said it had informed French health authorities of the situation.
The New Aquitaine regional health agency said a medical team had been sent on board to assess the situation, and that samples were currently being taken at the University of Bordeaux facility.
He added that passenger disembarkations had been suspended “as a precautionary measure due to the contagion capacity of gastroenteritis-type diseases” while the tests were carried out.
The cruise operator said the results would take at least six hours to process.
“The health, safety and well-being of our guests and crew remain our top priority, and we are sincerely grateful for the patience, understanding and cooperation demonstrated while these precautionary measures are maintained,” it added.
This article was originally written in English and we used an artificial intelligence tool to translate it. A BBC journalist reviewed the text before publication. Learn more about how we use AI.
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