A number of Irish people are understood to be on a cruise ship stuck off the coast of California after a coronavirus outbreak.
At least 21 people on board the Grand Princess outside San Francisco have tested positive for the disease.
It is believed that two passengers contracted the infection on a previous voyage before the outbreak.
Several Irish citizens are among the 3,533 passengers and crew, who will all be tested, RTE reports.
This includes second officer Pat Kelly, who is originally from Moville, Co Donegal.
His family still live on the town's Main Street, with Mr Kelly only leaving last month after returning home for the Christmas period.
Mr Kelly has been in touch with his family and friends back in Donegal to let them now that he is in good health.
He is still waiting to be tested for the virus.
A family friend said "He is fine and he has been in touch by phone to reassure his family of that.
"Pat is young but he is a very experienced seaman and has been at sea all of his life. He has risen through the ranks quickly.
"This is just another challenge he will take on board and get on with it."
