'Food poisoning' causes emergency Brittany Ferry diversion as ambulances rush to scene

A passenger ferry travelling from Spain to Plymouth has been forced to divert following a "food poisoning" incident.

Dozens of emergency vehicles, including ambulances, were seen rushing to the Brittany Ferries vessel when it was forced to stop in the port of Brest, in France.

French state services in Finistère confirmed they received a report from a nurse on the Pont Aven ship which said 34 crew members have been "showing symptoms suggesting food poisoning since last night". 

It is understood no passengers are affected.

Dozens of crew members had shore-based medical evaluations but the ship has since been cleared to leave and is due to arrive back in Plymouth at 10pm.

One passenger said: "An announcement was made stating the ferry needed to divert to Brest for a medical reason and several emergency vehicles are at the port."

In a statement, Brittany Ferries said: "A Brittany Ferries ship has diverted on its way to Plymouth due to crew members becoming unwell.

"As a precaution, Brittany Ferries diverted its Pont Aven ship to the port of Brest.

"The Pont Aven left Santander at 5pm UK time on Monday 7 August and arrived in Brest at 11.30pm French local time, following a passenger announcement."

In a later update, a spokesperson for the firm said: "We are sorry for the delay to Pont-Aven’s sailing into Plymouth today.

"Due to sickness among several crew members, the ship was diverted to Brest. After attendance by medical staff and the French authorities, the ship has now been cleared to leave. Her arrival in Plymouth is now expected around 10pm."

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