Relief as couple return after ordeal

The family of a Fife couple who were stranded on a cruise ship in the South Pacific for more than two weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic say they are hugely relieved to finally have them home.

Inverkeithing pensioners Robin and Helen Cook were among eight Scottish passengers on board the Celebrity Eclipse when it arrived back in Edinburgh on Tuesday evening following a 17 day ordeal.

The couple, both 66, had been on a holiday of a lifetime cruise of South America when the crisis escalated.

Despite none of the 2,500 passengers on the Royal Caribbean Cruises-owned ship testing positive, they were left stranded on board after the Chilean authorities refused disembarkation on March 15 amid fears of the virus being brought on to the mainland. The ship was eventually allowed to refuel and take on provisions before heading for sanctuary in the US port of San Diego where it arrived 15 days later on March 30.

There the couple were allowed back on dry land after being screened by medics.

Following confirmation they were not infected by the Covid-19 virus they were then taken to Los Angeles airport along with 28 other British passengers to board a chartered British Airways flight heading for London.

Daughter Fiona Durie said: “It’s a huge relief to know they are back home safe and well after being stranded.

“Then, as the news that flights and airports around the world being cancelled and closed there was the worry that my parents may still end up stranded abroad despite having made it off the ship.”

Fiona and brother Kenneth’s only fear now is that the couple will have to face lockdown restrictions and a 14-day selfisolation period.

Robin and Helen Cook, who were stuck on their Caribbean Cruise, have returned to Inverkeithing.