Cruise ship allowed to leave port

Cruise ship Van Gogh can now leave Harwich port

A cruise ship detained in port after a major outbreak of sickness has been given the go-ahead to sail on Saturday.

Coastguards at Harwich in Essex found more than 100 passengers and crew on the Van Gogh liner were suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea last week.

The ship was detained and 500 new passengers were turned away on Sunday.

The ship has now been disinfected and, after an inspection by the port health authority and Maritime Coastguard Agency, can now leave.

Cruise operator Travelscope has promised refunds to disappointed passengers.