Grandad hit by stroke while on a P&O cruise had to make his own way back to Britain after being BARRED from the ship
A GRANDAD hit by a mini-stroke on a cruise had to make his own way back to Britain after being barred from the ship. Gary Capon, 67, was on the final day of a P&O trip with his wife Maggie, 68, when he fell ill in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. He went to hospital […]
A GRANDAD hit by a mini-stroke on a cruise had to make his own way back to Britain after being barred from the ship.
Gary Capon, 67, was on the final day of a P&O trip with his wife Maggie, 68, when he fell ill in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium.
He went to hospital on the advice of ship medics and, after a check-up, got a note saying that he was fit to travel.
But the ship’s doctor refused to let the couple back on despite all their belongings still being in their cabin.
Gary told The Sun: “It was supposed to be an amazing trip for us around Europe. I fell ill on the last morning and had a stroke, paralysis of my left arm and hand.”
“I was told by the medics on board the ship that I needed to go to the hospital, even though I was regaining the use of my arm and hand. I have suffered strokes several times.”
“But we were told we had no option but to go to the hospital. I spent 55 minutes in the medical centre onboard the ship and that cost £550.”
They had to spend hundreds of pounds to get home to Haverhill, Suffolk, by road and rail.
Then they had to travel to Southampton to collect their luggage.
Retired carpenter Gary said: “It was terrible. P&O showed no sensitivity. We were so upset at how we were treated — we were badly let down.”
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A P&O Cruises spokesman said: “The health and welfare of our guests is an absolute priority and we are so sorry Mr Capon’s holiday was curtailed on medical grounds. Our dedicated care team has made every effort to assist Mr Capon since he left the ship.”
“The ship’s doctor felt that it was not safe for him medically to rejoin the ship and Mr Capon’s welfare was paramount in making this decision.”
P&O said it did make attempts to help get the couple home which were refused and they said his travel insurance declined.
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