Last night it was confirmed that 40 passengers on the Norwegian Crown cruise ship sought medical assistance after being struck down by a stomach flu.

On Wednesday afternoon a team from the Department of Health were sent to the cruise ship according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann.

Dr. Cann, last night, said that 42 people reported symptoms including stomach cramps and nausea, and water samples were taken to be tested.

A representative of the Norwegian Crown added: " A small number of guests on Norwegian Crown have reported to the medical centre with various symptoms of stomach flu.

"Symptoms included nausea, stomach cramps and mild diarrhoea generally lasting 24 hours. Norwegian Crown has been carrying out an extensive range of preventative measures on board to eradicate the virus."

The cruise ship, which was carrying 1,245 passengers and 531 crew members, is still expected to depart Bermuda tomorrow afternoon.