300 passengers held on board ferry in Birkenhead after 6 crew workers test positive for Covid
MORE than 300 passengers are stranded on a ferry in Birkenhead after an outbreak of Covid-19 on board.
Six crew members of the Belfast-bound Stena Edda tested positive for the virus last night.
15 people are now facing the prospect of having to isolate over the Christmas period.
A Stena Line spokesperson said: "Stena Line can confirm that six members of the crew of the Stena Edda have tested positive for Covid-19 last night.
"In line with our safety protocols we have alerted Port Health Authorities, who have advised us to hold the vessel in Birkenhead as a precaution.
According to the ferry company, 322 passengers and 53 crew are onboard.
The six crew members who tested positive for the virus are "doing well" and are only showing mild symptoms.
Alan Cogan, a passenger on board said he was waiting for a replacement ferry to take him back home to Northern Ireland but he was met with delays.
The 47-year-old said passengers had "resigned themselves" to being stuck on board the vessel and were "waiting to see what happens".
He the announcement was made at around 3.30 – just five hours after the ferry's departure – causing tensions to rise on board.
"I know there were a few irate people this morning," he told BBC news.
"We all had visions of what had happened to the crew ships around the world when passengers had tested positive and were left stranded and not allowed off.
"That would be a nightmare. It's not the most comfortable boat."
More to follow…
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