MV Hondius departs Cape Verde for Canary Islands following hantavirus evacuations
Three individuals evacuated to the Netherlands; Spanish authorities approve movement despite local opposition
The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has departed Cape Verde, bound for the Canary Islands, following the medical evacuation of three individuals to the Netherlands. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, continues its voyage carrying 146 people from 23 nations after the outbreak of hantavirus was confirmed on board.
Since the ship left Argentina a month ago, three deaths have occurred among those on board. Officials have stated that one of the deceased had the virus, while the other two deaths remain under investigation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified eight cases in total, comprising three confirmed instances and five suspected cases.
The three individuals evacuated include a British man, a Dutch crew member, and a German national. While none of the evacuees have tested positive for the virus, two are currently showing symptoms. The German passenger was described by the operator as closely associated with a German woman who died on board on 2 May.
In response to the outbreak, the UK's Health Security Agency reported that two British people are self-isolating at home after potential exposure earlier in the voyage. These individuals left the ship without symptoms, distinguishing their situation from the current evacuees who required medical transport.
Transmission of the Andes strain of hantavirus, prominent in Latin America where the cruise originated, was confirmed in two of the confirmed patients by South African health authorities. WHO official Dr Maria Van Kerkhove noted that the virus spreads through physical contact rather than casual interaction, a distinction she drew to differentiate the outbreak from respiratory viruses like COVID-19 or flu.
The ship's movement to the Canary Islands proceeded after Spanish health minister Mónica García agreed to the plan, asserting that a medical assessment upon arrival in Tenerife would ensure no risk to local citizens. However, Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo opposed the decision, stating it lacked technical criteria and sufficient information, though he did not block the departure.
Infectious disease experts and WHO staff have boarded the vessel to accompany the remaining passengers to Tenerife. Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that all remaining passengers are asymptomatic and will undergo strict medical assessment upon arrival, with those from abroad to be repatriated if fit to travel.
