Cruise ship passengers have been stranded at sea for a week after a mysterious growth developed on the bottom of the boat.
Hundreds of passengers are floating 12 miles offshore from the Port of Adelaide after Australian officials refused to let them dock because of the growth.
A biofoul growth has developed under the boat, made up of small animals, plants and algae.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry have said the boat must undergo hull cleaning before it is allowed to dock in case harmful marine organisms are transported into the country’s waters according to Sky News.
The cruise ship called “The Viking Orion” set sail on the 26th December and has not docked since.
DAFF, part of the department that manages biosecurity risks at the Australian border, said it had been made aware of small amounts of biofuel on the vessel.
Divers were then sent out to clean the ship before it docks in Melbourne later today.
In a statement, Viking said: "The Viking Orion is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne, Australia on 2 January (local time), following the cleaning of a limited amount of standard marine growth from the ship's hull-a routine cleaning procedure for nautical vessels.
"While the ship needed to miss several stops on this itinerary in order for the required cleaning to be conducted, she is expected to resume the current itinerary," a spokesperson said.
“Viking is working directly with guests on compensation for the impact to their voyage."
One passenger tweeted: “And news this morning, the captain has canceled (sic) our next port in Melbourne. People are livid ... Another day sitting at sea where 2 boats are cleaning the ship hull,”
Another said: “Our Viking Cruises trip to NZ & Australia missed 4 of 8 ports b/c of dirty/biohazard ship hull. 800 people, mainly Americans, are upset and angry over negligence. Viking Orion. Disappointing after 2 years of waiting, anticipation, & $$. Help please.”
A biofoul growth has developed under the boat, made up of small animals, plants and algae.
Viking Orion
