Kochi, Mar 8 (UNI) Three elderly passengers aboard 'Queen Mary 2', the largest cruise ship in the world, which berthed off Kochi for a day, were admitted to a city hospital following cardiac and other problems.

The three male tourists, one from the UK and two from Australia, were admitted to the Medical Trust Hospital here yesterday. Their condition was stable and the treatment was continuing, hospital sources said today.

The cruise ship left for its onward journey to Dubai this afternoon without the ailing passengers and their two companions, who would join the cruise after being discharged from hospital.

Arrangements would be made to fly them to whichever destination the ship would dock.

The ailing passengers were identified as Donald Johnson, 80, from the UK, John Schvensem, 76, and Ronald Frankland, 73, both from Australia.

While Mr Johnson was suffering from certain cardiac and renal problems, Mr Frankland had suffered a spinal chord dislocation. Mr Schvensem had been admitted with problems related to diabetes and chronic obsessive pulmonary disorder, the sources said.

The average age of the tourists aboard the cruise ship is about 60 years, with the oldest touching almost 90 years, the vessel's commander Commodore Bernard Warner said.

The ship is equipped with medical facilties, including two doctors and four nurses, he said.

UNI