A cruise ship reportedly owned by the Church of Scientology has been quarantined in Saint Lucia after a positive measles test on board, a public health official confirmed.
Merlene Fredericks James, the country’s chief medical officer, said in a video message that authorities are investigating the situation after being told about a confirmed case of measles on the ship Tuesday.
“We thought it prudent to make the decision not to allow anyone to disembark,” James said.
James did not identify the ship but St. Lucia Coast Guard Sgt. Victor Theodore told NBC News that the boat is named “Freewinds,” the same name as a 440-foot cruise ship owned by the Church of Scientology.
“To a Scientologist, boarding the Freewinds for New OT VIII is the pinnacle of a deeply spiritual journey,” the church’s website reads. “Years of training and auditing have brought him to this ultimate point. It is the most significant spiritual accomplishment of his lifetime and brings with it the full realization of his immortality.”
The church did not immediately return the Daily News’ request for comment.
James said she was working in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean Public Health Agency in determining the best course of action for the ship.
More than 700 people have been diagnosed with measles in the United States this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the highest number in 25 years.
