Fife couple stuck in Chile wait for news

A FIFE man marooned on a cruise ship off the coast of Chile said there has been “no mention of timescale” as he waits for news about when he can disembark.

Robin Cook and his wife Helen, both aged 66, have been travelling on the Celebrity Eclipse when passengers were told on Saturday that the ship had been denied entry to the port of San Antonio in Chile.

The cruise company, Celebrity Cruises, confirmed the port closure in a tweet and said they’re working with the Chilean government “to provide a controlled debarkation plan that would ensure all guests have travel arrangements to leave the country”.

Though no one on board has reported being unwell, passengers on the ship, which has a capacity of around 3,000, remain stuck and are unsure about when they will be let off.

Speaking from the cruise ship, Robin, who works as a concierge for Jenners, said: “There is no mention of timescale at the moment as they’re in talks with all of the authorities.

“We are going to be allowed to refuel and take on supplies, but no one is allowed off.

“We are being

looked after exceptionally well by Celebrity and our Captain Leo gives us an update at least every two hours. They couldn’t be more informative with updates.

“They have given everyone free wifi and all the bars are now free with plenty of food. They’ve also put on all sorts of different entertainment for guests, making sure everyone is happy.”

Mr Cook, who lives in Inverkeithing, added that they are looking forward to getting home and seeing their family.

He said: “We will just be happy to get home to see our family and our grandchildren.”