A dad-of-two from Paignton died of suspected kidney failure after contracting norovirus on the P&O Arcadia Cruise. Alan Forster, 77, set sail from Southampton with his wife Dianna, but was struck down with gastric illness.
He experienced diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting two weeks into his month long trip, symptomatic of a norovirus outbreak confirmed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 100 passengers fell ill alongside Alan, who was confined to his cabin before his condition worsened.
His grieving wife, Dianna, 79, 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.”
The cruise departed in September. After falling sick, Alan received medical attention on board, culminating in a hospital drip intervention.
Alan Forster with his wife Dianna
(Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
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.
Alan’s health rapidly declined, leading to kidney failure, and he was hospitalised once the ship reached Saint John, Canada. Tragically, the retired teacher and head of year passed away in October at the age of 77. Following the loss, Dianna, along with her sons John and Iain, both aged 47, have instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
Jatinder Paul, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, commented: “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, beloved husband and father, leaves behind his wife of 54 years, two sons, and four grandchildren.
The US and Canada cruise took place between 3 September and 3 October. Dianna, Alan’s wife and retired teacher, shared her heartfelt grief, noting that Alan was usually in good spirits and healthy.
She shared: “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.”
Alan Forster in hospital
(Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
Dianna admitted she knew it was serious when her husband was taken to hospital – but she said: “not for one minute did I think I was going to lose him”.
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.
Now, amidst the profound loss, Dianna seeks clarity: “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 representative for P&O 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 added: ”We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate once the investigation has been completed.”