Serious illness outbreak affects scores of British holidaymakers on Fred Olsen Ship

NELSON, U.K. - Sept. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Scores of British holidaymakers have become severely ill with gastroenteritis during a cruise on board the Fred Olsen Ship, Black Watch.

Over 130 passengers were taken ill during the 12 night cruise and the vast majority were suffering from severe symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea. The cruise ship was travelling from Fife in Scotland to Scandinavia and St Petersburg.

Health inspectors have visited the ship along with specialist cleaners.

A Fred Olsen spokeswoman said: “Representatives from the local health authorities and Rosyth Port Health have been on board the ship this morning and have confirmed that they are satisfied with the containment and preventative measures being undertaken by the ship.

"Symptoms of the illness include a sudden onset of vomiting and or diarrhoea.

"Some people may have a temperature, headache and stomach cramps.

"The sickness usually abates within one or two days and there are no long-term effects.

"The health, safety and well-being of all our guests is paramount and we believe that our systems for preventing the spread of illness on board our ships are amongst the best within the industry."

Anne Thomson, Head of International Travel Law at Farnworth Rose said: “Cruise ship illness can have devastating effects, and if it is proved that the illness was caused by poor standards of hygiene or food on board the Black Watch, passengers could claim a substantial amount of compensation.

“Anyone who has been affected should contact us as soon as possible for free legal advice and guidance about how to claim compensation from the tour operator.”

How Your Holiday Claims Solicitors can help

Your Holiday Claims is a division of Farnworth Rose solicitors, one of the UK's leading law firms offering free legal advice to clients who need help to make a successful claim for compensation.

For more information about how Your Holiday Claims please visit www.yourholidayclaims.co.uk