A Fife couple stranded on the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess have said UK passengers are not being allowed to disembark.
Norma and Andrew Philip, of Crossgates, spent four days confined to their cabins after an outbreak of Covid-19 on the cruise ship.
It is understood 21 people out of the 3,000 passengers on board have tested positive for the virus.
The ship was set to dock in Oakland, California, on Monday, with those allowed off the ship to be quarantined for 14 days.
But in a video posted on Facebook, Norma said UK citizens would have to stay on board.
“No more details as to when we’re getting off,” she said.
“Tomorrow, Monday, we’re meant to be docking in Oakland and as far as we know its only the US citizens that are being taken off.
“They don’t know what to do with us Brits because they haven’t heard from the Foreign Office.”
She said passengers had been given permission to leave their cabins and take a walk on the deck.
“It’s day four and we’re still stuck in cabins but, drum roll, we’ve been given permission to go up on deck for a walk. Face mask supplied.
“We don’t yet when but all we know is we’re being prioritised as to who goes first and who goes last.
“We’re still in a holding pattern – going round and round in circles.
Norma added one passenger had been taken off the boat because of a “medical emergency”.
She said: “The boat delivered the medication to those that are running out of it and took the passenger to the shore.”
Norma shared an update from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to passengers on the Grand Princess.
It was said to be “working intensively with the US authorities” to make arrangements to fly UK citizens on the ship home.
“We will keep you updated as these plans progress, including to tell you about the timing when this becomes clear,” said the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
“We will also contact passengers who we understand may not wish to return to the UK because they are normally based elsewhere.
“We will also need to ask you some specific questions as the plans for the flight firm up.
“In the meantime, we continue to advise any British nationals on board the Grand Princess to follow the instructions of the local authorities and Princess Cruises.”
