A Norwegian cruise ship has been banned from docking in Mauritius due to “potential health risks” after passengers reported feeling unwell.
Samples were taken from about 15 people who were isolated on board the Norwegian Dawn ship.
Authorities said the ship was prevented from docking in the capital, Port Louis, over the weekend due to health and safety concerns.
Officials confirmed that there were 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members on board the plane.
The Mauritius Ports Authority said in a statement: “The decision was taken not to allow the cruise ship to reach the pier to avoid any health risks.
“The health and safety of passengers as well as the health of the country as a whole is of the utmost importance to the authorities.”
The authority did not confirm details about the type of disease that was treated on board the ship, but it hopes to obtain results within 48 hours.
A spokesman for the Norwegian cruise company, which is headquartered in the United States, said that this was during the ship's voyage to South Africa on February 13 when some passengers reported mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness.
The spokesman said that the ship's management was working with the Mauritian authorities to ensure that the necessary precautions were taken and that everyone on board was safe.
Read more on Sky News:
Runaway train 'travels 40 miles without driver'
Footage shows the moment a cruise ship sank
About 2,000 people were scheduled to disembark in Port Louis after completing their cruise, and 2,279 new passengers were expected to board the ship, the Port Authority said.
“Passengers who were scheduled to board the Norwegian Dawn ship and begin their cruise from Mauritius today will not be able to do so due to potential health risks,” she added.
A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesman said those who were disembarking or joining the cruise will do so on Tuesday.
