Paignton Widow and Sons Asks Lawyers To Investigate After Husband Passes Away In Canadian Hospital Following Outbreak

A British dad-of-two has died from suspected kidney failure after falling seriously ill with norovirus on a cruise ship.

Alan Forster, from Paignton, set off from Southampton onboard the P&O Arcadia Cruise with his wife Dianna in September, this year, when he was struck down with gastric illness.

Around two weeks into the month-long trip and after returning from docking in New York, Alan began to suffer from gastric symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

Norovirus outbreak confirmed by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has since confirmed there was an outbreak of norovirus on the ship. Alan, along with almost 100 other passengers reported gastrointestinal symptoms, with many quarantined to their cabins.

A week later, Alan was eventually transported to the ship’s medical bay and placed on a drip with Dianna reporting that despite raising the alarm much earlier, medical treatment was not offered, nor were the couple given any assistance in dealing with the symptoms with the exception of a nurse attending the room to lift Alan from the floor when he collapsed.

Due to his deteriorating condition and his kidneys beginning to fail, when the ship docked at the next port, Saint John, Canada, Alan was transferred to hospital.

The retired teacher and head of year died on 16 October, aged 77.

Family ask lawyers to investigate dad's death

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

The legal experts have vast experience in representing passengers of cruise ships who have fallen seriously ill around the world, and were notably instructed earlier this year by a number of holidaymakers who fell ill on board the P&O Ventura cruise ship.

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

Expert Opinion

“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 quicky 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.

“As part of our investigations, we’d be interested in hearing from other passengers who have fallen ill on the Arcadia this year.” Jatinder Paul

Norovirus: Alan and Dianna Forster's story

The U.S. and Canada cruise took place from 3 September to 3 October.

Alan leaves behind 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 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.

“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.”

Widow seeks answers for late husband

She added: “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.

“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.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping holidaymakers and their families affected by serious illnesses on board cruises at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 291 1468.