Cruise ships docked at Tilbury could become coronavirus isolation hospitals

By Neil Speight 19th Mar 2020

Local News by Neil Speight 19th Mar 2020

The Spirit of Adventure sails down the Thames on Monday prior to taking up a berth at the Port of Tilbury. Picture by David Tibble.

TILBURY could become home to two emergency floating hospitals to help cope with a hospital beds crisis caused by coronavirus.

As reported earlier this week by Thurrock Nub News the Port of Tilbury has become temporary home to a number of cruise ships laid up by their operators because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now it has been reported that two of them, Saga's Spirit of Discovery and Saga Sapphire have been offered to the government as hospital ships if they are required.

There are more than 2,000 cabins on the ships that could be used to isolate patients, freeing up hospital beds and taking the strain from the NHS.

Homeward bound: Columbus is heading for Tilbury after world cruise is scrapped

Download our Nub News App: - It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Can we count on you? Local news is the heartbeat of Thurrock — it needs your support.

For less than the price of a cup of coffee each month,
you can help us keep telling the stories that matter to Thurrock.
Support local journalism. Protect your community.

Thank you to those of you that have already contributed.