As many as 1,700 passengers are being held on board a cruise ship in France, after multiple cases of possible gastroenteritis (a possibly fatal disease) on board.
The ship was scheduled to sail around France after picking up passengers from multiple UK cities on May 9.
Up to 50 passengers on board of the ship named “Ambition” were affected by symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis according to the local health agency in a French department.
The passengers were immediately seen by a doctor and kept in containment in their rooms, according to the statement.
A 92-year-old man died onboard on May 10, although the guest did not report any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.
“The cause of death has yet to be established pending the coroner’s full report. We are providing every support to the deceased’s friends and family and extend our most sincere condolences to them at this difficult time,” the ship operator said.
