Family demands answers after Paignton man dies after cruise

An investigation has been launched following the death of a 77-year-old man from Paignton who contracted norovirus while on a cruise.

Alan Forster, a retired teacher and head of year, set off from Southampton onboard the P&O Arcadia cruise ship with his wife, Dianna in September last year.

Two weeks into the month-long trip, the father of two apparently began to suffer from gastric symptoms, including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

Alan was transported to the ship’s medical bay a week later and put on a drip until the ship docked at the next port, where he was transferred to a hospital in Saint John, Canada.

Alan died from suspected kidney failure on October 16.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has since confirmed there was an outbreak of norovirus on the ship.

Above: Alan in hospital

P&O Cruises stated that they have launched an investigation into the allegations and will respond once it is fully completed.

Dianna, 79, and the couple’s sons John and Iain, both 47, have asked specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the events and secure some answers surrounding Alan’s death.

Alan, along with almost 100 other passengers, reported gastrointestinal symptoms, with many of the travellers being quarantined to their cabins.

The family claims that medical treatment was not immediately offered after raising alarms about Alan's condition. They also say  the couple received no assistance in managing his symptoms, except for a nurse who attended the room to lift Alan from the floor after he collapsed.

Jatinder Paul, the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Alan’s loved ones, 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.”

Jatinder added: “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 that they deserve.”

Above: Alan and Dianne Forster

The US and Canada cruise took place from September 3 to  October 3 last year.

Alan leaves  his wife, two sons and four grandchildren.

Dianna, a retired teacher and Alan’s wife of 54 years, said: “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. 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.

“I knew it must be serious when we docked in Canada and Alan was taken to the hospital. However, not for one minute did I think I was going to lose him. Even when my son flew over to bring us home, I still couldn’t comprehend that Alan might not make it with us.

Above: Alan in hospital

“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.”

She added: “It’s less than three 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 weren’t for me, he’d still be here.

“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 said: “We were saddened to receive a letter from solicitors informing us of the death of Mr Forster approximately three weeks after his disembarkation from Arcadia and making a claim for compensation. A preliminary review indicates that when medical staff were informed of Mr Forster’s deteriorating health, care was initiated, and onwards specialist review and support were facilitated at a shoreside hospital. We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate to the solicitors once the investigation has been completed.”