Port Louis, Mauritius – Authorities in Mauritius have refused entry to a Norwegian cruise ship, the Norwegian Dawn, amid concerns of a possible cholera outbreak on board.
Reports indicate that at least 15 individuals on the ship have been isolated due to suspected illnesses. The decision to prevent the vessel from docking in the capital city, Port Louis, was made to prevent any potential health risks.
Samples were collected for testing on Sunday, with results expected by Tuesday. Passengers aboard the Norwegian Dawn began exhibiting mild symptoms of a stomach ailment during a voyage to South Africa.
Despite the delay in docking, passengers like Mary Francovilla Dees, 69, have described the atmosphere on the ship as relatively calm. Delays have not deterred passengers from enjoying activities such as lounging by the pool, attending shows, and frequenting the ship’s bar.
The ship was scheduled to dock in Mauritius on Saturday evening but made an early arrival as it forewent a stop in Réunion Island. With 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members on board, approximately 2,000 passengers were set to disembark in Port Louis, with another 2,000 preparing to board.
Due to the denial of entry by Mauritian authorities, those disembarking or starting their cruise will now do so on February 27, as confirmed by a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson.
Recent cholera outbreaks in southern Africa, particularly in Zambia, have raised concerns about potential outbreaks on ships. Since January 2023, over 188,000 individuals across seven southern African nations have contracted cholera, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths.
Authorities at the Mauritius Ports Authority emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of passengers and the country as a whole, indicating the seriousness with which they address potential health risks to the population.