Potentially deadly Legionairres' disease has been found on a P&O ferry.
The bacteria was discovered in shower heads in crew areas shortly after the 30,600-gt Pride of Kent (built 1992) had returned to service.
Kent Live reported that pipes are now being flushed through in an attempt to rid the ferry of disease.
The vessel had been pulled from service between Dover and Calais after running aground in the French port in December.
A P&O spokesman told the website the bacteria was found in May during routine tests.
"After its return to service after a five-month absence, we conducted routine tests on the Pride of Kent and found low levels of Legionnaire in three shower heads in the crew quarters," he added.
"This is being dealt with by the standard process of super-chlorination followed by the flushing through of the pipes.
"It is important to note that Legionnaire is naturally occurring in water and at these levels there is minimal risk to passengers or crew."
