Coronavirus-hit Zaandam cruise ship finally docks in Florida

The coronavirus-hit Zaandam cruise ship on which four people have died has finally docked in Florida after previously being denied permission.

The vessel, which was carrying 200 Britons, recorded nine confirmed cases of Covid-19 on board as well as around 200 people who reported flu-like symptoms.

Among the four people who died on board the cruise liner was a 75-year-old British man, whose partner has been isolating alone on the ship since his death.

Rescue workers were seen standing by stand by at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale as the vessel docked on Thursday.

Earlier this week the ship offloaded its healthy passengers onto its sister-ship, the Rotterdam, which has now also been given permission to dock.

Operating company Holland America said that following arrival in Port Everglades, all guests would be health screened and also cleared for entry by US Customs and Border Protection.

It added that disembarkation is expected to be completed by Friday evening, with priority given today to those who need immediate care.

US President Donald Trump has said that arrangements have been made with the UK Government to evacuate British passengers.

The family of John Carter, a British national who was one of the four people who died, pleaded for Mr Trump and Florida officials to allows the two ships to dock.

In a statement, the family said Mr Carter's widow urgently required assistance.

"She is struggling to eat the limited meals and is feeling unwell," the family said.

"She is obviously distressed and extremely frightened.

"They were both in good health and did not foresee the terrible situation that has arisen.

"John became unwell aboard the ship and passed away on March 22."

The cruise liners attempted to dock in Florida earlier this week but became embroiled in a dispute, with local authorities reluctant to take more patients into a state healthcare system already stretched by the coronavirus outbreak.

However, Mr Trump said on Wednesday there was no choice but to allow the ships to dock and for those aboard to disembark.

Speaking at the daily White House coronavirus briefing, Mr Trump said that the US had a duty to accept the passengers "from a humane standpoint".

"We don't have a choice. I don't want to do that but we have to. People are dying," he said.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that the Government was "determined to help Britons stranded abroad" and that it would "work with British Airways to keeps flights running, so travelling Brits can get back to the UK".

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