Aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit, nearly 30 crew members fell ill from ciguatera, a toxin linked to contaminated reef fish. While passengers remained unaffected, the outbreak underscores the hidden dangers of seafood consumption.
On a recent voyage of the luxury cruise ship Sea Cloud Spirit, a rare outbreak of ciguatera poisoning left 28 crew members battling severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The ship, carrying 93 crew members and an undisclosed number of passengers, docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the crew recovering and ready to set sail again.
Ciguatera, a toxin produced by algae around coral reefs, is often found in fish such as barracuda, sea bass, and moray eel. It cannot be detected by appearance, taste, or smell, nor destroyed by cooking, making it a hidden hazard.
Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle pain, with some cases presenting blurred vision or a metallic taste. “No guests were affected, and the crew members have recovered,” assured a spokesperson for Sea Cloud Cruises.
The incident marks the first cruise-related gastrointestinal outbreak reported to the CDC this year.
Experts warn that symptoms of ciguatera poisoning can last from days to months, with affected individuals advised to avoid fish, nuts, alcohol, and caffeine for six months to prevent recurrence.
While outbreaks are rare, the CDC recommends seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise after eating fish. For travelers and seafood lovers, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks lurking in even the most luxurious of settings.
As the Sea Cloud Spirit prepares for its next journey, the focus remains on ensuring the health and safety of all aboard.
