Spain will receive the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which has 149 people aboard from 23 countries and suffered a hantavirus outbreak that killed three people. Four others are confirmed infected, and three more are suspected cases. The ship is expected to arrive in Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, on Sunday around noon but will not dock. Instead, it will anchor nearby, and those onboard will be taken to land using smaller boats. Spanish authorities stated that this measure was requested by local officials and there is no public health risk from docking.
The MV Hondius began its journey on April 1 from Argentina and carries 88 passengers and 61 crew members, including one deceased German guest. Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed no remaining passengers show symptoms of infection. After arriving, evacuees will be taken to the main airport in Granadilla, ten minutes away, using sealed buses with drivers in protective gear. These buses will go directly to the airport runway for boarding onto evacuation flights. It is not clear if all crew members will leave the ship.
The Spanish government is coordinating these evacuations, with the U. S. and Britain already sending charter planes. Countries with the highest numbers aboard include the Philippines (38), Britain (23), the U. S. (17), Spain (14), and the Netherlands (13). Although authorities aim to evacuate everyone quickly, a special isolated unit at a local hospital is prepared as a backup.
One of the deceased passengers remains on board while the Netherlands will handle their evacuation. The MV Hondius must continue to the Netherlands after its obligations, although it is currently undetermined when that will happen. Spanish officials stress that the ship will not linger in the area longer than necessary, and disinfection will be carried out with care for health safety.
With information from Reuters
