Passenger THROWN OFF luxury cruise liner after protesting stops cancelled over deadly plague outbreak

  • Alain Jan, 53, from the French island of Réunion, was on a Costa Cruises holiday 
  • It was destined to visit various islands, including Maurice and the Seychelles
  • But a deadly Black Plague outbreak in Madagascar changed the vessel's course
  • Angered by the decision, Mr Jan helped instigate a protest against the revisions

A Frenchman has been ejected from a luxury cruise liner after embarking on a protest against unexpected journey changes. 

Alain Jan, 53, from the French island of Réunion, was holidaying on a Costa Cruises liner when a Madagascan outbreak of the Black Plague forced the captain to revise island stops.

After three locations around Mauritius were cancelled, a furious Mr Jan helped mount a mutiny with sixty other passengers - and was subsequently removed from the vessel as a consequence. 

Ejected: Alain Jan, 53, from the French island of Réunion, was asked to disembark a Costa Cruises vessel after mounting a protest with sixty other passengers 

Ejected: Alain Jan, 53, from the French island of Réunion, was asked to disembark a Costa Cruises vessel after mounting a protest with sixty other passengers 

The outbreak, which has been described as the 'worst in 50 years' and deemed to be at 'crisis' point, has now infected 1,947 people in the country off the coast of Africa.

New figures from the World Health Organization also show the 'medieval disease' has now claimed the lives of 143 people. 

But, despite being offered €150 in compensation, Mr Jan - who was travelling with his wife - was not satisfied. 

'They were taking the mickey,' he told French newspaper Le Parisien, before likening the experience to being on a 'floating prison'. 

'There were 60 of us banging our fists on the table to alert other cruise passengers to this con job.'

Shortly after, a second protest took place, causing local police to board the ship and investigate as it approached the Seychelles. 

More than 1,300 cases have now been reported in Madagascar, health chiefs have revealed, as nearby nations have been placed on high alert

Danger: More than 1,300 cases have now been reported in Madagascar, health chiefs have revealed, as nearby nations have been placed on high alert

'He listened to both our version of events and I asked to speak to the French ambassador,' added Mr Jan. 'Then the policeman asked the captain if he wanted to disembark anyone and he pointed to me.'

According to reports, Costa Cruises later confirmed that a passenger had been asked to disembark.  

A spokesperson for the company told MailOnline Travel: 'For Costa Cruises, the safety, health and well-being of guests and crew is the top priority. The number one objective is to offer a serene and safe holiday. 

'Madagascar is currently facing an unusual outbreak of the pneumonic plague affecting geographically extensive areas on the island with new cases reported in recent days. 

'The medical department continuously and daily monitors the local situation regarding the plague epidemic and is in close contact with international health agencies.

'The company made all endeavors to maintain the calls in Madagascar, reviewing all possible alternatives. 

'With reference to the calling La Reunion on November 7, the medical department had a meeting with the health authorities of Mauritius to discuss the plague epidemic in Madagascar, just a few hours before the communication of the cancellation of the calls in Madagascar was distributed to the passengers on board.'

Costa Cruises gave each passenger €150 in compensation to use on the ship during the extra day of navigation.

In addition, all excursions which were already been booked in Madagascar were reimbursed.