A passenger who has tested positive for coronavirus and a passenger who has tested negative have been allowed to disembark ship Silver Shadow in Recife, Brazil, cruise line Silversea has confirmed.

The 609-passenger vessel, which carries more than 200 British and American passengers, was en route from Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale and has been in quarantine since a Canadian passenger (a man aged 78) tested positive and was taken to a local hospital.

In a statement, Silversea said: “We can confirm that two guests aboard the Silver Shadow have been medically disembarked in Recife, Brazil, and one has tested positive for Covid-19, while the second has tested negative.

“On behalf of our guests, we are in close coordination with the governments and local health authorities to determine the next best steps.

“We have asked guests on the ships to temporarily remain in their cabins in accordance with our medical isolation protocols.

“Our top priority is to ensure the health and comfort of our guests and crew, and we thank our guests for their patience and understanding as this issue affects them and so many around the world.”

Meanwhile, Fred Olsen ship Braemar will set sail to Cuba where all guests will be repatriated back to the UK by air, the cruise line has confirmed.

There are currently 22 guests and 21 crew members in isolation on Braemar after displaying coronavirus symptoms.