Scientology cruise ship reportedly quarantined after test finds measles on board
A cruise ship reportedly owned by the Church of Scientology has been quarantined in St. Lucia after a positive measles test on board, a public health official confirmed.
Merlene Fredericks James, the Caribbean island nation’s chief medical officer, said in a video message that authorities are investigating the situation after being told about a confirmed case of measles on the ship Tuesday.
“We thought it prudent to make the decision not to allow anyone to disembark,” James said.
James did not identify the ship but St. Lucia Coast Guard Sgt. Victor Theodore told NBC News that the boat is named Freewinds, the same name as a 440-foot cruise ship owned by the Church of Scientology.
The church did not immediately return the New York Daily News’ request for comment.
James said she was working in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean Public Health Agency in determining the best course of action for the ship.
More than 700 people have been diagnosed with measles in the United States this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highest number in 25 years.
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