Spain Diverts Hantavirus-Impacted MV Hondius to Canary Islands for Medical Care
Three passengers have died aboard the vessel stranded off the coast; Spanish Health Ministry confirms arrival window of three to four days
The Spanish Health Ministry has confirmed that the MV Hondius cruise ship will be diverted to the Canary Islands to receive medical attention for passengers affected by a hantavirus outbreak. The vessel, which has been moored off the coast of Cape Verde since the virus was detected, is expected to dock in the archipelago within three to four days.
This decision to relocate the ship from Cape Verde to Spanish territory was driven by the assessment that the former location lacks the necessary medical capabilities to manage the crisis. The World Health Organization has explicitly stated that Cape Verde is unable to carry out the required operation, necessitating the move to the Canary Islands, which represent the closest location with the requisite infrastructure.
The situation aboard the MV Hondius has been severe, with three passengers confirmed dead following the outbreak. In addition to the fatalities, several other passengers are suspected to have contracted the virus. Once the vessel arrives in the Canary Islands, crew members and passengers will undergo examination and receive care before being transferred to their respective countries.
Spanish authorities emphasised that the decision to intervene was made in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. The Ministry highlighted a moral and legal obligation to assist the passengers, noting that the group includes several Spanish citizens. The specific port within the Canary Islands designated for docking has not yet been specified by officials.
The WHO representative in Cape Verde indicated that medical evacuation plans are currently underway. Following the completion of evacuations and treatment, the ship may continue its route to the Netherlands, though this remains a possibility rather than a confirmed itinerary at this stage.
