Tragic Death on Cruise: Family Seeks Justice
Alan Forster, a 77-year-old retired teacher, tragically passed away after contracting norovirus aboard the P&O Arcadia cruise ship. The illness led to suspected kidney failure, leaving his family devastated. Alan and his wife, Dianna, had embarked on a month-long cruise from Southampton, looking forward to creating cherished memories together. However, nearly 100 passengers fell ill during the trip, turning what was meant to be a joyful experience into a nightmare.
Dianna, 79, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Alan was the most loving husband and dad. We were looking forward to many more years together, but that’s been taken away in the cruellest of ways.” She feels an overwhelming sense of guilt, believing that if they hadn’t gone on the cruise, Alan would still be alive. The couple had enjoyed many cruises together, making this incident even more tragic.
The Outbreak and Its Consequences
The cruise began with excitement, but soon turned grim as norovirus spread among passengers. Dianna recounted that despite early signs of illness, Alan did not receive immediate medical attention. It wasn’t until he collapsed in their cabin that a nurse intervened. Alan was eventually treated on board and placed on a drip before being hospitalized in St. John, Canada.
Dianna described Alan as being in good health prior to the cruise. She recalled his sudden decline, saying, “When he said he felt unwell, I knew something was very wrong.” Despite her attempts to alert the crew about Alan’s condition, she faced resistance. “I tried to raise the alarm several times, but I was shouted at and told to get back into my room,” she lamented. It was only after Alan’s condition worsened that he received the necessary medical care.
The family is now seeking answers. They have engaged the legal services of Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances surrounding Alan’s death. Jatinder Paul, a lawyer representing the family, expressed concern over the outbreak and the delays in medical treatment. He emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into the cruise ship’s handling of the situation.
Legal Action and Industry Response
In the wake of this tragedy, Alan’s family is determined to hold the cruise line accountable. They have hired Irwin Mitchell to explore potential legal action. Jatinder Paul stated, “Following an outbreak of norovirus, it’s vital that investigations are carried out on the failings on board the cruise ship.” He aims to uncover the truth behind the delays in medical treatment and the overall response to the outbreak.
P&O Cruises has expressed condolences to the Forster family. A spokesperson acknowledged receiving a legal letter regarding Alan’s death and stated, “We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate once the investigation has been completed.” The cruise line’s response indicates a willingness to address the family’s concerns, but the outcome remains uncertain.
As the investigation unfolds, Dianna and her sons, John and Iain, are left grappling with their loss. They seek justice for Alan and answers to the questions surrounding his untimely death. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with cruise travel, particularly during outbreaks of contagious illnesses like norovirus.
