More than 1,700 passengers have been confined aboard a cruise ship in Bordeaux, southwestern France, after a passenger died and dozens of others developed symptoms linked to a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak, French media reported.

Local health authorities said that up to around 50 passengers have experienced symptoms consistent with an acute digestive infection, according to information provided by the ship’s captain.

Those affected were treated by the ship’s medical team and isolated in their cabins as a precaution to prevent further spread.

The vessel, the Ambition operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, had travelled from the Shetland Islands via Belfast and Liverpool before arriving in Bordeaux, where it was scheduled to continue its journey to Spain.

The regional health agency in Nouvelle-Aquitaine said a medical team has been deployed on board to assess the situation, while samples are being analysed by the infectious disease department of Bordeaux University Hospital.

Authorities also stated that there is no evidence linking the outbreak to other unrelated viral cases previously reported on different vessels.

As a precaution, disembarkation of passengers and crew has been suspended, and all non-essential contact with the port has been restricted until test results are confirmed.

Initial tests have ruled out norovirus, although further laboratory analyses are ongoing, and food poisoning has not yet been excluded as a possible cause.

Officials said the peak of symptoms occurred while the ship was docked in Brest earlier in the week.