Alan Forster, a retired teacher, enjoyed many cruises with his wife before he contracted norovirus aboard the P&O Arcadia ship and tragically succumbed to the illness
A father has tragically passed away after contracting norovirus on board a cruise ship. Alan Forster, 77, died from suspected kidney failure after contracting norovirus aboard the P&O Arcadia cruise ship.
Alan and his wife Dianna were on the month-long cruise from Southampton when the outbreak occurred. Nearly 100 passengers were affected by the illness.
Dianna Forster, 79, said: “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.
“I still can’t – and don’t want to – accept my beloved husband is gone. It was me who wanted to go on the cruise.”
“I blame myself. If it wasn’t for me, he’d still be here.”
Dianna recounted that despite early warnings, her husband received no medical treatment until a nurse helped lift Alan after he collapsed in their room.
Eventually, Alan received medical attention on while board and was put on a drip before being hospitalised once the ship reached St John, Canada.
She said: “Alan was in good spirits and health before the cruise. Alan is not one to normally complain, so when he said he felt unwell I knew something was very wrong and it was more than just an upset stomach.
“I tried to raise the alarm several times, but I was shouted at and told to get back into my room. It was not until his symptoms became critical and I refused to take no for an answer, that he was finally taken to the medical centre.”
Alan’s family, including wife Dianna and 47 year old twin sons John and Iain, have engaged legal services firm Irwin Mitchell for an investigation into his death.
Jatinder Paul, a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family, said: “What we’ve heard from Dianna about an outbreak on the cruise ship and how Alan deteriorated so quickly is deeply concerning.
“Following an outbreak of norovirus it’s vital that investigations are carried out on the failings on board the cruise ship as well as the delays with getting Alan the medical treatment he needed.
“While there’s nothing that can change what happened, we’re now investigating and are determined to get Dianna, John and Iain the answers they deserve.”
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises expressed their condolences, saying: “We were sorry to receive a legal letter informing us of the death of Mr Forster and making a claim for compensation.”
They further added: “We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate once the investigation has been completed.”
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