Leeds couple trapped onboard cruise ship heading to coronavirus stricken Italy

More than 200 Britons aboard a cruise ship were prevented from leaving after it docked in France - and are now on their way to the country with the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the world.

Among them are Roger and Lesley Levy, from Alwoodley, who have been aboard the Costa Pacifica since joining the cruise in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the start of the month.

There are not thought to be any cases of coronavirus on board, but when the ship docked in Marseille yesterday (Thursday), only French nationals were allowed off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been told by the French authorities that the cruise ship asked to make an un-scheduled stop there to re-stock fresh water.

Roger and Lesley Levy aboard the Costa Pacifica.Roger and Lesley Levy aboard the Costa Pacifica.
Roger and Lesley Levy aboard the Costa Pacifica.

Passengers claim they have been kept in the dark about what was happening and were furious when told the ship was heading to its next planned stop in Genoa, northern Italy, where it will dock Friday.

Northern Italy is now the worst affected region for coronavirus in the world, with 3,405 deaths.

Mr Levy, 75, said: "People do not want to go to Italy.

"There was a horrendous reaction when we were told. People were saying they are not going to get off the ship.

The ship landed at Marseille, but only French nationals were allowed to get off, passengers claim.The ship landed at Marseille, but only French nationals were allowed to get off, passengers claim.
The ship landed at Marseille, but only French nationals were allowed to get off, passengers claim.

"We don't know what's going to happen to us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There is a significant feeling of doubt about trusting in being in Italy, even if we are put straight on to a plane.

"Last night when we were told we were not getting off and that we were going to Genoa, there was an extremely negative reaction from passngers.

"People were holding up there phones quoting the number of deaths in Italy, saying 'you are crazy, we do not want to go to Italy', but we have been left with no choice."

Mr Levy said the level of communication had been "appalling".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The couple are both in the at-risk category due to their ages and other health factors.

Mr Levy said British passengers, who regularly meet on board to discuss next steps, had not decided whether to get off the ship when it docks in Italy.

"We want to go home and be safe in our home and our country but how we achieve that I do not know," he added

An Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We are doing all we can to help British people on board the Costa Pacifica cruise ship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Our staff are in close contact with the cruise operator and the authorities in the region to ensure British people can get home safely.”

A Costa Cruises spokesman said: "Costa Pacifica disembarked the French guests and left the port of Marseille.

"The ship will arrive in Genoa, the final call for her itinerary, on the March 21st, where all the remaining guests currently on board will disembark and will return home.

"Unfortunately, the French Authority did not allow the disembarkation of any other nationality in Marseille due to the recent decisions of the Government to restrict travel in the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Costa Crociere is working endlessly to find the best travel plan solutions to guarantee a safe journey back to the guests' original destination.

"Once disembarked, guests will be accompanied to their flights and transfers, organised by Costa through a sanitary cordon of isolation.

"All health procedures have been agreed according to latest international guidelines.

"At the moment he health situation on board is regular and does not present any issue.

"Monitoring and screening onboard is kept ongoing to make sure the situation is under control and preserve the health of guests and crew before their disembarkation."

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.