Four Dead, 100+ Sick On Cruise Ship Seeking Port

USA Today reports:

Four elderly passengers on board Holland America’s MS Zaandam have died on the cruise ship that is stuck in limbo during the coronavirus pandemic. The ship is currently carrying 138 people who have complained of flu-like symptoms, which are similar to coronavirus symptoms. Two people have tested positive for coronavirus.

The ship did not have coronavirus tests available on board until Thursday evening when it rendezvoused with Holland America’s MS Rotterdam for additional supplies and medical personnel.

The two ships received permission to anchor off the coast of Panama to meet and transfer supplies and passengers. However, the plan for disembarkation is not yet finalized.

The New York Daily News reports:



The ship is currently adrift after officials in Chile refused to let the passengers and crew disembark, setting the ship on a course toward Florida.

Officials in Fort Lauderdale, which has seen a rise in coronavirus cases, are considering whether or not to let the ship dock, according to the Sun Sentinel.

According to Florida residents Cliff Kolber and Doris Kolber, the Zaandam’s captain announced the deaths and that healthy people over the age of 70 would be moved to a second cruise liner.