Virus outbreak on Van Gogh cruise ship - passengers' holidays ruined
30/05/2006
We found you very professional as well as approachable, helpful and caring. We can now move on and look forward to a more stable and secure future. I am sure that this would not have happened without yourselves being involved.
Jayne, Evesham
Passengers on the Van Gogh cruise ship had their holidays ruined after they became ill with a virus onboard.
Over 100 passengers were ill with vomiting and diarrhoea after catching the virus.
Two elderly passengers were sent to hospital, but were discharged later.
"Often simple preventative measures can be taken to avoid such outbreaks. In many cases these episodes not only ruin people's holidays but can result in long term health problems."
"Customers should be aware that they may be entitled to compensation, and should seek legal advice before accepting any offers made by the tour operator," said specialist illness or injury overseas solicitor, Suki Chhokar.
The ship docked at Harwich on Sunday, where five hundred passengers were waiting to board at the Essex port for a seven-day trip to Norway.
The ship was detained by the Maritime Coastguard Agency on the advice of port health inspectors and the local director of public health.
Tour operator Travelscope apologised to customers and offered refunds for the trip for those who were waiting to board.
It is not yet clear what caused the outbreak of the virus on board the ship.
Irwin Mitchell incorporating Alexander Harris has acted for a number of people who became ill after catching norovirus - a virus often found onboard cruise ships and in other confined spaces. Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
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