The Coral Princess cruise ship will dock in Miami after 12 passengers tested positive and at least one person died, state officials confirmed.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Giménez determined it was necessary to bring in the ship “to save lives,” according to his press secretary.
At least one American from South Carolina has died on the ship, his press secretary said. Three other passengers, all Americans in critical condition, will get off the ship first and be taken to Larkin Hospital. At least 12 passengers have flu-like symptoms.
Anyone with respiratory symptoms or are still recovering from being ill previously will remain on board until medically cleared by the ship’s doctors, according to a statement from Princess Cruises.
Those who are not sick and need to fly home will most likely disembark beginning on Sunday, according to the statement. It’s expected to take a few days to get those who are not sick off the ship.
They will be transferred directly from the ship to Miami International Airport, according to Princess Cruises.
There are 1,898 people onboard, including 1,020 guests and 878 crew members.
