Over 300 NI bound ferry passengers left stranded following coronavirus outbreak

By Q Radio News

Hundreds of passengers were stranded on a ferry overnight following a coronavirus outbreak.

Port Health Authorities said the Belfast-bound Stena Line ferry due to travel from Merseyside was held at Birkenhead overnight on Tuesday.

A total of 322 passengers and 53 crew members have now been told by public health authorities to disembark in Birkenhead.

Stena Line says it's helping passengers find alternative travel.

Some passengers waiting for a replacement ferry to get home to Northern Ireland have complained that the delay meant they've had miss work meetings.

A spokesman for the ferry operator 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 alerted the Port Health Authorities, who advised us to hold the vessel in Birkenhead as a precaution.”

The spokesman said 322 passengers and 53 staff were onboard.

He added: “The six crew members who tested positive for Covid-19 are being cared for and are doing well, with only mild symptoms.

“Fifteen close contacts have been identified and are self-isolating.

“Stena Line is liaising closely with public health authorities on this matter who have advised us that we should disembark the vessel in Birkenhead.

“The welfare of our passengers and crew is paramount at this time. The passengers are being catered for and we will assist them with alternative travel arrangements.”