Couple seek compensation over poisoning outbreak

A couple who were on a ship on which passengers claim to have caught norovirus and other gastric complaints are seeking compensation.

Terry and Janet Robinson were among the people travelling on the Island Escape cruise liner when the alleged outbreak occurred, the Isle of Wight County Press reports.

Part of a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis, noroviruses can be spread through contact with an infected person, via contaminated surfaces and by food and drink.

Bouts of recurring sickness can occur because people's immunity to the condition only lasts for 14 weeks after they have recovered.

According to the Robinsons, the ship was unclean and they cited what they suggest was a catalogue of errors and poor conditions.

However, a spokesman for Thomson said: "The vast majority of guests who sailed onboard Island Escape rated the ship very highly in customer satisfaction surveys."

The Robinson's case for compensation remains ongoing.