According to a BBC report, a seventy-four year-old man has died on board the ship, although operators Transocean Tours said the man's death was unrelated to the virus outbreak and that the ship had been inspected by local health officials.

A total of 150 passengers have been taken ill on board the ship – the Marco Polo – which is currently berthed in Invergordon, Easter Ross. The ship sailed from Tilbury in Essex on Saturday (04/07/09).

A statement from Transocean Tours claimed that 74 passengers had been taken ill with the virus, although NHS Highland – the local health authority – said around 150 passengers had been infected.

The ship is currently detained at Invergordon but is due to sail on Tuesday.

Local councillor Maxine Smith has criticised the handling of the outbreak, alleging that passengers who might have been carrying the bug were allowed ashore and walked through the town. She added that shopkeepers had come in contact with some of the passengers and there was concern local residents of the town might have been infected.

Two of the ship’s passengers with symptoms of the bug have been admitted to Raigmore Hospital for treatment.

© 5r1 Limited

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