‘Zaandam’s’ fate still uncertain

PANAMA CITY: Passengers on a virus-stricken cruise liner entered the Panama Canal in Central America on Sunday after they were told the company was still searching for a port which will allow them to disembark, even as they pleaded for help.

The Panama Canal Authority said the Zaandam entered the canal on Sunday afternoon after transferring healthy passengers to another ship and restocking supplies.

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford admitted they were still searching for a port after the mayor of Fort Lauderdale — the ship’s intended destination — said the Florida city could not take the risk of accepting passengers from the stricken liner, four of whom have died.