A BRIDGWATER couple are among more than 3,000 people on lockdown over coronavirus fears on a cruise ship being held off the coast of San Francisco, California.

Neil and Victoria Hanlon, who come from Durleigh in Bridgwater, are among 142 Britons on the Grand Princess, one of the world's largest cruise ships, currently being held off the Californian coast.

The ship is on lockdown after a 71-year-old man who sailed on the Grand Princess to Mexico died of coronavirus.

The man from Sacramento had underlying health conditions, officials say.

Neil and Victoria had set sail on The Grand Princess on a cruise to Hawaii to celebrate Victoria's 50th birthday.

Speaking from the ship, Mr Hanlon said: "We are now on lockdown and confined to our cabins.

"We have three meals a day, but no exercise or fresh air. Victoria is vegan and they are doing their best for her.

"It all started about two days ago when you had to double and treble sanitize everywhere.

"You could not touch anything - salt and pepper were poured for you and sugar put in your tea for you.

"Then it stepped up and we were told you had to be a minimum of one metre apart from everyone when walking about, and the communal areas were closed off."

Mr Hanlon said the passengers were then told to go to their staterooms.

"Since then the helicopters arrived to bring testing kits- these were done and taken back to California.

"Now we await the results which should be soon.

"We are at present sailing some where off of San Francisco.

"We were due to disembark on Saturday but it doesn't seem like that is going to happen.

"The staff on the ship have so far been amazing and the captain gives us good updates."

In a statement, the company that operates the ship said samples had been taken from 45 people - both guests and staff - and that all passengers had been confined to their quarters pending the outcome.