More than 1,000 passengers remain stuck on a UK-operated cruise ship in France after 49 people fell ill due to a gastrointestinal illness.

The local health authorities in Bordeaux noted that 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 with the hantavirus outbreak reported on another cruise.

Ambassador Cruise Line reported to the BBC that a 92-year-old man had died onboard 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 our all support to the friends and family of the deceased and we express our most sincere condolences at this difficult time.”

Ambassador Cruise Line noted in another statement that, at 10:00 GMT on Wednesday, 48 passengers presented symptoms similar to those of a gastrointestinal disease, as a crew member.

There are 1,187 guests and 514 crew members onboard the ship, according to its operator.

The cruise departed Belfast on 8 May, before heading to Liverpool the next 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 onboard 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 a 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. lics, as well as continuous guidance to passengers on hand hygiene and notification of symptoms to the onboard medical team.

As part of a scheduled stop in Bordeaux, in southwest France, the operator said that it had informed the situation to French health authorities.

The New Aquitaine regional health agency said that a medical team had been sent onboard to assess the situation, and that samples were currently being taken at the Bordeaux University Hospital.

He added that passenger disembarkations had been suspended “as a precautionary measure due to the potential for transmission of gastroenteritis-type diseases” while the tests were being 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 sincere "We are grateful for the patience, understanding and cooperation shown while these precautionary measures are maintained," he 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. More information about how we use AI.

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