NI singer ‘safe and healthy’ after fleeing Princess ship at centre of coronavirus outbreak

Talented local artist Rebecca Harkin has assured fans that she and her partner are “healthy and safe” after being allowed to disembark the cruise ship where hundreds of passengers and crew members have fallen ill with coronavirus.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Feb 2020, 16:37 BST

Updated 23rd Feb 2020, 16:37 BST

Rebecca - one of Ireland’s brightest musical stars and who has amassed a global fanbase - had been onboard the Diamond Princess ship when it was quarantined off the coast of Japan.

It is understood Rebecca and her partner were among the musicians performing on the ship.

In a message posted on her official social media fan pages from Australia, Rebecca, who was born in Londonderry and has lived in Donegal, said: “Hey guys!

“Thank you so much for all your lovely messages and prayers these last few weeks.

“As many of you knew my partner and I were musicians on board the Diamond Princess Ship in Japan.

“I am now in Australia with my partner and we are both healthy and safe, thank god!

“We are getting so well looked after in Darwin along with all the other evacuees.”

Rebecca said they were both “so so thankful for the amazing team here”.