Dad dies after falling ill with norovirus on cruise ship holiday as 100 more passengers affected by horror outbreak
A dad died after falling ill with norovirus on a cruise ship holiday – as 100 more passengers were also affected by the horror outbreak.
Alan Forster, 77, died from a suspected kidney failure after coming down with the gastric illness.
The dad-of-two and his wife Dianna, from Devon, were two weeks into their month-long trip aboard the P&O Arcadia Cruise when he began to experience diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
When the ship, which had originally set off from Southampton, reached the Port of Saint John, Canada, Alan was transferred to hospital, where he tragically passed in September last year.
The retired teacher was one of 100 passengers to contract the illness, The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has since confirmed – with many quarantined to their cabins.
Dianna, 79, who had been married to Alan for 54 years, said: “Alan was the most loving husband and dad.
“We were looking forward to many more years together but that’s been taken away in the cruellest of ways.
“We couldn’t wait to board the Arcadia and start our holiday.
“We’d been on 47 cruises before and had planned more for the future.
“It’s less than two months since we lost him and every day since then has been filled with grief and pain.”
The heartbroken mum added that she was holding herself responsible for Alan’s death, saying: “I still can’t – and don’t want to – accept my beloved husband is gone.
“It was me who wanted to go on the cruise.
“I blame myself. If it wasn’t for me, he’d still be here.”
Recalling the events leading up to the cruise, Diane went on: “Alan was in good spirits and health before the cruise.
“Alan is not one to normally complain, so when he said he felt unwell I knew something was very wrong and it was more than just an upset stomach.
“There were announcements that there was norovirus on the ship, so we suspected it must be that and he would get any medical help he needed.”
However, Dianna said her husband did not receive adequate care on board the ship – and staff only started to worry when he collapsed in his room.
They eventually transported him to the ship’s medical bay, where he was placed on a drip.
She added: “It took many long and traumatic days of being quarantined in our room for the nurses to come and see Alan, and even then they didn’t do anything outside of lifting him back into bed.
“I tried to raise the alarm several times but I was shouted at and told to get back into my room.
“It was not until his symptoms became critical and I refused to take no for an answer, that he was finally taken to the medical centre.”
What to do if you think you have norovirus - and when to call 999
If you think you have norovirus, stay hydrated, rest, and eat bland foods when you feel better.
Wash hands often, disinfect surfaces, and avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or prolonged.
When it comes to treatment, focus on staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.
Rest as much as possible. Eat bland foods like toast or crackers, rice, pasta.
For symptom relief, consult your doctor about over-the-counter options. Symptoms should go away in one to three days.
If you or your child experiences the following, you should call 999 or go to A&E:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- might have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, Lecturer in Microbiology at Teesside University and NHS
Dianna admitted she knew it was serious when her husband was taken to hospital – but she said that “not for one minute did I think I was going to lose him”.
She added: “Even when my son flew over to bring us home, I still couldn’t comprehend that Alan might not make it with us.
“All we want now is some answers to help understand what happened and what can be done to prevent this horrendous and ongoing ordeal from happening to anyone else.”
Alan leaves behind Dianna, his two children, John and Iain, and his four grandchildren.
His sons, both 47, have now instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
Jatinder Paul, the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Alan’s loved ones, told DevonLive: “What we’ve heard from Dianna about an outbreak on the cruise ship and how Alan deteriorated so quickly is deeply concerning.”
They added: “While there’s nothing that can change what happened, we’re now investigating and are determined to get Dianna, John and Iain the answers they deserve.”
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: ”We were sorry to receive a legal letter informing us of the death of Mr Forster and making a claim for compensation.
”We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate once the investigation has been completed.”