PIRAEUS, Greece, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Greek authorities refused Friday to let a British cruise ship with hundreds of tourists suffering from a highly contagious stomach virus come ashore.
The London Independent said the Aurora, carrying 1,900 British tourists, was ordered to anchor outside the port of Piraeus, near Athens. No one was allowed to leave the vessel.
The Greek Merchant Marine Ministry said 430 people on the ship had been hit with the virus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting for up to two days. Doctors were allowed on board to treat passengers and to load emergency medicine and supplies.
Greek coast guard launches surrounded the liner to prevent other vessels from approaching. Health ministry officials in Athens allowed the Aurora to resupply before leaving.
The ship later set course for Gibraltar with sick passengers reportedly confined to their cabins in an attempt to check the rapid spread of the illness.
