Three ferry staff test positive and two more exhibit symptoms

STENA Line bosses said three crew members of the Horizon ferry, which serves the HolyheadDublin route, are in isolation after catching Covid-19 – and two more staff members are symptomatic and awaiting tests.

In a statement, the company said: “Stena Line can confirm three positive cases of Covid-19 among the non-serving crew of the ferry Stena Horizon.

“All three employees left the vessel on October 28 and developed symptoms over the weekend. They promptly sought Covid-19 tests and subsequently tested positive. They are self-isolating and doing well.

“There has since been two further suspected, but as yet unconfirmed, cases of serving crew onboard the vessel.

“Those crew members have now disembarked the ship for testing. No further crew members are showing any symptoms.

“As a further precaution the company is undertaking testing of the entire crew.”

Stena Line added: “The Stena Horizon is currently in service on the Dublin to Holyhead route.

“The crew are adhering to our strict safety procedures ensuring the vessel is fully cleaned and sanitised to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees.”

The Stena Horizon, which can carry up to 900 passengers and 200 cars, has recently been operating the route alongside the Stena Estrid, due to a continuing refit of the Stena Adventurer.

Last month, a crew member on the same vessel tested positive for coronavirus, days after disembarking the ferry with no symptoms.