Displaying items by tag: Passengers (Irish)

18th February 2020

Passengers from Ireland Identified On Cruiseship with Coronavirus In Cambodia

Cruiseship Westerdam operated by Holland America Line berthed in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Afloat adds the photo was taken last Friday.

Passengers from Ireland are among those on board a cruiseship which docked in Cambodia last week with confirmed cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

According to The Irish Times, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney speaking on Tuesday morning, confirmed the presence of the Irish nationals on the MS Westerdam. He also confirmed there were additional Irish passengers aboard the Diamond Princess off Tokyo.

“There is a second cruise ship off Cambodia, we’re working with Irish nationals on both of those ships to make sure they’re safe. And if they’re in quarantine [there] to make sure those conditions are safe,” he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is currently offering consular services to those affected and establishing whether anyone requires medical attention.

“We are talking with our European partners about how, or if, they will get home,” Mr Coveney added.

The total number of Irish passport-holders on board the two ships is not yet clear but is understood to be below ten.

The Westerdam was refused access to several international ports before being allowed to dock in Cambodia last week after which passengers were permitted to disembark. Mr Coveney said “some Irish” were among them.

More on this story here, including several Irish citizens as alluded on board Diamond Princess.

Published in Coronavirus and Boating

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.