A dad-of-two tragically passed away due to suspected kidney failure after contracting norovirus on board a cruise ship. Alan Forster, 77, had embarked on a month-long journey from Southampton with his wife Dianna aboard the P&O Arcadia cruise when he began suffering diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
A norovirus outbreak that was later confirmed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, with nearly 100 passengers affected by the illness. Sadly confined to his cabin as his state deteriorated, Alan, from Paignton, succumbed to his illness, reports Devon Live.
Dianna Forster, 79, revealed shared: “Alan was the most loving husband and dad. We were looking forward to many more years together but that’s been taken away in the cruellest of ways. We couldn’t wait to board the Arcadia and start our holiday. We’d been on 47 cruises before and had planned more for the future.”
“It’s less than two months since we lost him and every day since then has been filled with grief and pain. I still can’t – and don’t want to – accept my beloved husband is gone. It was me who wanted to go on the cruise.”
“I blame myself. If it wasn’t for me, he’d still be here.”
Their journey began in September. Dianna recounted that despite early warnings, her husband received no medical treatment or support for their symptoms, except when a nurse helped lift Alan after he collapsed in their room. Eventually, Alan received medical attention on while board and was put on a drip before being hospitalised once the ship reached St John, Canada.
Alan, a retired teacher, sadly passed away at the age of 77 due to kidney failure after his health rapidly declined on the cruise ship. His bereaved family, including wife Dianna and 47 year old twin sons John and Iain, have engaged legal services firm Irwin Mitchell for an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Alan Forster with his wife Dianna
(Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
Jatinder Paul, a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family, said: “Alan and Dianna were regular cruise-goers and were really looking forward to setting sail on the Arcadia. But it wasn’t long before Alan fell ill.”
“What we’ve heard from Dianna about an outbreak on the cruise ship and how Alan deteriorated so quickly is deeply concerning. Norovirus is a particularly unpleasant illness that can lead to serious health conditions such as kidney failure. Following an outbreak of norovirus it’s vital that investigations are carried out on the failings on board the cruise ship as well as the delays with getting Alan the medical treatment he needed.”
“While there’s nothing that can change what happened, we’re now investigating and are determined to get Dianna, John and Iain the answers they deserve.”
Alan leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 54 years, his two sons, and four grandchildren. Dianna said that Alan was typically cheerful and healthy.
She said: “Alan was in good spirits and health before the cruise. Alan is not one to normally complain, so when he said he felt unwell I knew something was very wrong and it was more than just an upset stomach.
“There were announcements that there was norovirus on the ship, so we suspected it must be that and he would get any medical help he needed. It took many long and traumatic days of being quarantined in our room for the nurses to come and see Alan, and even then they didn’t do anything outside of lifting him back into bed.
“I tried to raise the alarm several times but I was shouted at and told to get back into my room. It was not until his symptoms became critical and I refused to take no for an answer, that he was finally taken to the medical centre.”
The gravity of the situation hit Dianna when Alan was hospitalised, yet she confessed: “not for one minute did I think I was going to lose him”.
Two weeks into the month-long trip and after returning from docking in New York, Alan, from Paignton, had diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
(Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
She added: “Even when my son flew over to bring us home, I still couldn’t comprehend that Alan might not make it with us. All we want now is some answers to help understand what happened and what can be done to prevent this horrendous and ongoing ordeal from happening to anyone else.”
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises expressed their condolences, saying: “A representative for PandO Cruises expressed their regret, stating: ”We were sorry to receive a legal letter informing us of the death of Mr Forster and making a claim for compensation.”
They further added: “We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate once the investigation has been completed.”