the UK – has confirmed that the Marco Polo is terminating its voyage at Invergordon. Arrangements will be made for all passengers who are fit to travel to be disembarked and repatriated at the earliest opportunity. Those passengers where doctors do not recommend travelling at this time will remain onboard for continued nursing and will be repatriated once fully recovered, according to Transocean.

In a prepared statement the tour operator said: “NHS Highland, alongside a team of local GPs and nurses, continues to work with the Marco Polo medical team to treat passengers with symptoms.

“The management of Transocean Tours, the ship owners, Story Cruise Ltd and the NHS authorities continue to work closely together in ensuring the maintenance of the standard Health Protection Agency protocols that are in place to minimize the effect of the virus and eradicate it.”