WILLEMSTAD - Hundreds of Scientologists remain stranded aboard the Freewinds after a measles outbreak forced authorities to board the vessel and jab unvaccinated crew and passengers.

More than 300 people have been trapped aboard the MV Freewinds, the only ship in operation from the Scientology church’s original flotilla, since a Danish crew member tested positive for the disease on April 29.

Authorities had been hoping to disembark all passengers by Wednesday this week but Curacao’s chief health officer, Dr Marlene Fredericks-James, said the vessel would remain quarantined for the duration of the measles incubation period, which is up to 12 days.