Passengers kept on ferry overnight after crew members test positive for Covid-19

The Stena Line ship, due to travel from Merseyside to Belfast, was held at Birkenhead overnight on Tuesday.

Passengers were due to disembark on Wednesday morning.

A spokesman for the ferry operator said: “Stena Line can confirm that six members of the crew of the Stena Edda have tested positive for Covid-19 last night.

“In line with our safety protocols we alerted the Port Health Authorities, who advised us to hold the vessel in Birkenhead as a precaution.”

The spokesman said 322 passengers and 53 staff were onboard.

He added: “The six crew members who tested positive for Covid-19 are being cared for and are doing well, with only mild symptoms.

“Fifteen close contacts have been identified and are self-isolating.

“Stena Line is liaising closely with public health authorities on this matter who have advised us that we should disembark the vessel in Birkenhead.

“The welfare of our passengers and crew is paramount at this time. The passengers are being catered for and we will assist them with alternative travel arrangements.”