Passengers onboard a Stena Line ferry scheduled to leave Liverpool to travel to Belfast last night have now been allowed to disembark.
The vessel was held last night after six crew tested positive for coronavirus and remained in Birkenhead as a precaution.
322 passengers and 52 members of crew remained onboard until this morning.
A spokesperson for Stena Line said: "I can confirm that the disembarkation of passengers from Stena Edda was completed at 11.15 this morning."
Fifteen close contacts have been identified and are self-isolating.
A spokesperson for Stena Line previously said: "Stena Line can confirm that six members of the crew of the Stena Edda have tested positive for COVID-19 last night. In line with our safety protocols we alerted the Port Health Authorities, who advised us to hold the vessel in Birkenhead as a precaution.
“322 passengers and 53 crew are onboard. The six crew members who tested positive for COVID-19 are being cared for and are doing well, with only mild symptoms. 15 close contacts have been identified and are self-isolating.
“Stena Line is liaising closely with public health authorities on this matter who have advised us that we should disembark the vessel in Birkenhead.
“The welfare of our passengers and crew is paramount at this time. The passengers are being catered for and we will assist them with alternative travel arrangements.”
