The crew of a ship at Portland were placed in lockdown after an outbreak of coronavirus which led to two of those on board being taken to hospital.

The alarm was raised with public health officials after the outbreak on board the cable laying ship Sovereign.

The ship is operated Global Marine and although it works around the waters of the British Isles and elsewhere its home port is Portland.

It recently sailed back in following a repair project over Christmas.

Bosses at Portland Port said it is the latest vessel to come into port with Covid cases on board.

All incidents have been dealt with in a 'calm and efficient manner', the port said.

A spokesman for Global Marine Group said last week: "We can confirm that on Tuesday 29th December a crew member onboard the C.S. Sovereign tested positive for Covid-19.

"Mass testing of the ship’s crew has since taken place resulting in a number of positive results being returned. Two crew members are receiving ongoing care in hospital, whilst those that remain onboard are in full lockdown as the vessel remains alongside in Portland.

"Global Marine Group has mobilised emergency response personnel and are working with Public Health England and the local authorities to deal with the incident as swiftly and effectively as possible, ensuring everyone’s ongoing health and safety."

The spokesman said the health and safety of staff was a priority and it was supporting those on board with their 'wellbeing, welfare, physical and mental health'.

Families of the crew have been made aware and the company is keeping in 'regular contact' with them.

The spokesman said the firm was 'focusing its efforts into safely bringing the outbreak to a close as quickly as possible'.

CEO of Portland Port Bill Reeves said: "We engaged with Port Health and Public Health England at an early stage in the pandemic and developed protocols with them to deal with Covid risks from visiting ships. Both organisations were very helpful and we have a good working relationship with them.

"Over the last several months we have had quite a few ships come into port with Covid cases on board and they have all been dealt with in a calm and efficient manner, and in line with the agreed protocols. In all cases the infected crew members are isolated until they are Covid free. The processes that we agreed with Port Health and Public Health England have worked so well that they have become routine."