Legal action taken by sick cruise passengers

British holidaymakers who fell ill whilst on a cruise ship are taking legal action against the cruise company, Fred Olsen.  Many of the passengers aboard the 'Boudicca' fell ill during cruises of the Canary Islands, Europe and West Africa between 2009 and 2011. 

A Birmingham based law firm which specialises in travel-related cases is representing 138 of those who suffered severe gastric illness whilst on board the boat.  Some of these sufferers claim that the spread of the illness was caused by poor hygiene.

Eric Swift, 75, and his wife Margaret, 80, from Halesowen in the West Midlands claim to have fallen ill during their time on 'Boudicca' in April this year.  Mr Swift suggested that illness was widespread on the boat and at least 20 people he had spoken to had suffered similar symptoms.  He said "The ship should not have been allowed to sail without thorough cleaning and checks".

Elizabeth Tetzner a travel law expert with agreed and added "What is needed, in situations like this, is a full investigation and, if necessary, a thorough deep clean, in line with the accepted current guidelines. Likewise, any crew members who are suffering symptoms or are otherwise able to pass on an infection must be stopped from sailing."

Fred Olsen, maintain that the sickness was not caused by poor hygeine and have said in a statement "The health, safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff on board remains our priority at all times, and we believe that our systems for preventing the spread of illness on board our ships are among the best within the industry".  They suggest that the illness affecting the passengers was caused by an outbreak of the novovirus which they could not prevent.