Yorkshire couple stranded on boat in Chile desperate for life-saving medication

Karen and Chris Partridge from Wakefield do not yet know when they will be released from the Celebrity Eclipse, which is currently just outside Valparaíso.

Despite there being no suspected cases of coronavirus aboard the vessel, Chilean authorities have denied requests to let the passengers off, and for the last day it has been docked in Chile surrounded by Navy ships.

The couple’s biggest concern is that 61-year-old Mr Partridge has a life-threatening heart condition and takes essential medication, which has nearly run out.

Mrs Partridge, 59, said: “Our emotions are very up and down. The situation here is very ‘fluid’ and we’re in a state of constant change.

“Chris’ complex condition requires regular medication, and, obviously we’re concerned about an ongoing supply. To be fair, the ship have taken the information and are taking action, but it is a worry. Chris takes meds for his heart and his blood pressure and withdrawal of some of the drugs is life threatening if it comes to that.

She added: “The situation in Chile, when we were stuck there, was very political and the uncertainty about disembarkation, then the authorities releasing our supplies and being able to onboard medication for the passengers was concerning. We feel like a bit of a ‘pawn’ in a big game we had no control over.”

Most of the passengers about the ship are American citizens and the boat is now on a 10-day journey heading for the US city of San Diego, where most of the passengers will be able to depart. But a question hangs over whether British citizens will be allowed off the ship.

Mrs Partridge said: “The world situation is ever-changing, and our concern is what might happen in 10 days’ time when we get to San Diego. Will we be allowed to disembark and transit back to the UK? There are lots of unknowns and more potential hurdles to jump.”

Daughter Laura Partridge who is trying to help from the UK said her parents had been holding up well but the strain is starting to show.

She said: “It’s very concerning. At first my parents’ spirits were quite high but the longer that it has gone on for, that’s changed.

“My dad’s got degenerative heart disease. There’s a real danger that he’ll run out of medication.

“The situation is quite ironic really - there’s no sign that anyone on board has the virus but many of the passengers are now at risk because they can’t get medication they need.”

She added that the family have been unable to get any advice at all from the Foreign Office.

Mrs Partridge said they were being well looked after by the staff on the ship and felt very safe on the ship with no coronavirus cases.

She added: “However, the truth is we just want to come home. We had just (almost) completed a ‘holiday of a lifetime’ - taking an opportunity to travel in one of the best spells Chris has had with his health for many years. The situation when we left the UK almost four weeks ago didn’t suggest the risk that’s evolved since.

“At this moment, we’re taking one day at a time, thankful for what we have and the way we are being looked after. We realise we are more fortunate than many at this time. The staff onboard couldn’t do more for us, and like us they just want to be home with the people they love. We’re ‘in the same boat’ after all!”

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the British people on board this ship, and we are monitoring the situation very closely.

“Our staff are in touch with the cruise company and the Chilean authorities.”