 The ferry is not sailing while the ship is being cleaned |
All of Wednesday's sailings on the ferry route between Stornoway and Ullapool were cancelled after an outbreak of sickness on board. It is thought the highly contagious norovirus could be the source of the illness.
Operator Caledonian MacBrayne said the service would be back to normal on Thursday.
The vomiting bug on board the MV Isle of Lewis left eight crew quarantined after falling ill.
A CalMac spokesman said correct procedures had been followed and passenger safety was paramount.
He said that the whole ship would be cleaned, with a new crew coming on board on Thursday.
A Western Isles public health spokesman said samples had been sent for laboratory testing.
Preventative measure
Although not confirmed, norovirus is the suspected cause of the ferry sickness.
The CalMac spokesman said: "The decision to stop sailings is a preventative measure and not in reaction to anything. We believe we have fulfilled all obligations."
Norovirus, also known as winter vomiting virus, hit a hospital and care home in Caithness last month.
The outbreak struck down nine patients in a ward at Caithness General Hospital and 11 residents and 15 staff at Pultney House.
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