More than 1,000 passengers held on cruise in France after gastroenteritis outbreak

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Passengers held on cruise ship in France after gastroenteritis outbreak7 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleBBCMore than 1,000 passengers are being held on a UK-operated cruise ship in France after 49 people fell ill from gastroenteritis. Local authorities in Bordeaux said three passengers had been isolated in their cabins on the Ambition, while other passengers will not be able to disembark in the port. They added that there was "no reason" to link the outbreak to the hantavirus outbreak on a separate cruise ship.

Ambassador Cruise Line told the in a statement that "a number of guests and crew onboard Ambition have displayed or are displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness". It said enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols had been implemented across the ship "in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness". The cruise line said that as of 11:00 BST on Wednesday, 48 passengers were displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness, as well as one crew member.

The Details

There are currently 1,187 guests and 514 crew members on board the ship, according to its operator. The cruise ship set sail from Belfast on 8 May, before heading to Liverpool the next day. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.