Lancashire woman amongst Britons stuck on cruise ship in California

The daughter of a woman from Lancashire stuck on a coronavirus-hit cruise ship has said that conditions on the boat are "grim".

There are thought to be more than 140 British nationals on board the Grand Princess, which is currently off the coast of California after 21 people on board tested positive for Covid-19.

Lyndsey Vickers has told ITV News that her mum, Margaret Bartlett, has asked for cleaning products, which have been refused.

The Grand Princess ship, which is carrying more than 3,500 people from 54 countries, is expected to dock in Oakland today.

But it was said that only passengers requiring treatment and state residents would be able to disembark.

Lyndsey said that her mum is given one bottle of water a day and that she described the food as "diabolical".

Margaret will also run out of medication for a heart condition and for arthritis later on today.

Credit: MEN Media

Elsewhere, a man in his 60s has died at North Manchester General after being diagnosed with the disease, he already underlying health problems.

There are now 35 cases in the North West, with four new cases being confirmed in the region today, including two in Oldham.

The total number of cases in the UK now stands at 319, rising from 273 yesterday.

  • Video report by Tim Scott

The Foreign Office said on Sunday evening it was "working intensively" with US authorities to arrange a flight for UK citizens on the cruise ship, who are then likely to be taken into quarantine.

A statement from Princess Cruises said disembarkation "is expected to be a multiple day process", adding: "The US Coast Guard will be sending California Health & Human Services teams to assist with medical triage, screening and interviews, and prioritising those who require the most acute care.

"To avoid delays, testing will be conducted when guests arrive at their onward destination."

Read more here: