Hundreds of passengers on a cruise ship have been forced to quarantine after an elderly passenger died following a gastroenteritis outbreak. The vessel, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, is currently docked in Bordeaux, France.
As many as 49 people have reported symptoms of the highly contagious virus on board. The ship, known as the Ambition, is carrying more than 1,700 passengers, mostly British and Irish. A 92-year-old male passenger died on Sunday, but he did not show any gastroenteritis symptoms, and the cause of death is yet to be established.
The first signs of illness among passengers were recorded on May 11, according to Bordeaux officials. Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed 48 passengers and one crew member have active cases of gastrointestinal illness. The company said enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented, including increased cleaning, assisted dining, and guidance on hand hygiene.
Authorities have activated health management protocols, noting the virus is not related to the hantavirus outbreak on a separate cruise. The ship left the Shetland Islands on May 6, stopping in Belfast, Liverpool, and Brest before reaching Bordeaux. Cases rose after passengers embarked in Liverpool. It is unclear how long those aboard may be stranded in France.
