More than 3,000 people are stranded in Mauritius waters after the Indian Ocean island nation stopped a ship belonging to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings from docking at its ports due to what it said was a health risk.
Decision to Prevent Docking:
The Mauritius port authority took samples from about 15 passengers who were in isolation on board the Norwegian Dawn, which was scheduled to dock in Port Louis. The decision not to allow the cruise ship access to the quay was taken to avoid potential health risks, prioritizing the safety of passengers and the country as a whole.
Health Concerns:
During the ship’s trip to South Africa on Feb. 13, some passengers had experienced mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness, according to a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line. However, the nature of the health risk was not disclosed by the port authority.
Collaboration with Authorities:
Upon reaching Port Louis, the ship’s management collaborated with Mauritian authorities to ensure necessary precautions were in place. Test results from the samples taken by the port authority were awaited, with a timeframe of 48 hours provided.
Passenger Details:
The Norwegian Dawn has 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members. Around 2,000 passengers were expected to disembark in Port Louis after completing their cruise, while another 2,279 new passengers were scheduled to board the ship.
Impact on Tourism:
Passengers scheduled to board the Norwegian Dawn on the day of the incident will now embark on Feb. 27 due to potential health risks. This delay has implications for Mauritius’ tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to its economy.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Why was the Norwegian Cruise Line ship prevented from docking in Mauritius?
- A) Mechanical issues with the ship
- B) Weather-related concerns
- C) Health risk onboard
- D) Security threat
- What was the reason behind the decision not to allow the cruise ship access to the quay?
- A) Financial considerations
- B) Environmental concerns
- C) Avoidance of health risks
- D) Political tensions
- What symptoms did some passengers experience during the ship’s trip to South Africa?
- A) Respiratory issues
- B) Stomach-related illness
- C) Skin allergies
- D) Fatigue
- How many passengers and crew members were onboard the Norwegian Dawn?
- A) 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members
- B) 1,500 passengers and 800 crew members
- C) 3,000 passengers and 1,500 crew members
- D) 2,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members