TWO cruise liner passengers have tested positive for Legionnaires Disease, a spokeswoman for Ipswich-based Fred Olsen confirmed The Black Watch, operated Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, docked at Dover two days early.

A THOROUGH clean up of a cruise liner is under way today after two of its passengers tested positive for Legionnaires' disease.

The Black Watch, operated by Ipswich-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, docked at Dover two days early after seven passengers fell ill with flu-like symptoms on Friday.

The ill passengers were seen by the ship's doctor and taken to hospital in Stockholm, with two testing positive for the Legionella bacteria, a spokeswoman for the company said.

All of those taken to Stockholm have now returned home with the exception of one.

A spokeswoman for Fred Olsen said the Health Protection Agency are “pleased” with the cleansing programme in place.

She said: “We are carrying out a very deep cleansing programme. The whole of the water system is getting flushed through.

“The HPA are pleased with everything we have been doing. If there is anything lurking in the ship, this will certainly knock it on the head.

“All the passengers got off the ship having had a wonderful time. Everyone is progressing well.”

Tomorrow's 10-day cruise to Portugal is still on schedule.

The cruise, which docked at 9pm yesterday, included stops at ports in Russia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden.

Were you on the ship? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk