MV Hondius Hantavirus outbreak: Seven cases confirmed as ship heads to Canary Islands

Tragedy continues to shadow the MV Hondius expedition vessel following confirmation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that seven individuals have now contracted hantavirus. Three passengers have already lost their lives, while another remains in critical condition. Health officials in Cape Verde previously barred the ship from docking in Praia, claiming national security concerns, and leaving the vessel drifting off the West African coast and unable to reach help.

Spain has now agreed to receive the ship in the Canary Islands. Authorities in Las Palmas or Tenerife will manage the arrival, implementing strict quarantine protocols and a comprehensive deep-clean of the vessel. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director for epidemic and pandemic prevention, stated that experts will conduct a full epidemiological investigation upon arrival to make sure those on board receive the medical assistance they need and that the disease does not pass to anyone in the surrounding areas.

Medical evacuations planned for sick crew

Emergency medical flights are being organised for two female crew members, one British and one Dutch, who require urgent hospital treatment. A third person, linked to the German passenger who died on May 2, will also be evacuated via air ambulance. Cape Verdean authorities expressed full readiness to facilitate these transfers once the United Kingdom and the Netherlands finalise the logistics organisation.

Those remaining on the ship represent 23 different nationalities, including 23 British citizens, 14 Spanish nationals, two Irish, 13 Dutch, 17 Americans, and 38 Filipinos. Deep anxiety among the 147 people on board has grown as they await a definitive timeline for disembarkation.

Passengers plead for transparency

The worst thing for many of those trapped aboard is not knowing what will happen. Jake Rosmarin, a passenger on the MV Hondius, shared an emotional plea on social media regarding the harrowing conditions at sea. Tears visible, he reminded the public that those trapped on the ship are real people with families waiting at home, rather than mere news headlines. Uncertainty regarding their destination and health status has caused serious distress among the international travellers.

@jakerosmarinI also want to acknowledge that Oceanwide Expeditions and the entire crew onboard have been handling this situation to the best of their ability, and I’m very grateful for their efforts throughout. It’s not easy for me to talk about this, but I am doing well. ❤️

♬ original sound – Jake | Travel | Boston ✈️🗺️

Catalan health official Esteve Fernández confirmed that five passengers from his region remain in good health. These individuals have maintained contact with health departments via email while remaining isolated in their cabins.

Understanding the Hantavirus threat

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome represents a rare but severe respiratory disease typically contracted through contact with infected rodents, their urine or faeces. Transmission usually occurs when humans breathe in air contaminated by rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. While the WHO considers the global risk to be low, the enclosed environment of a cruise ship presents unique difficulties for containment.

History records a previous major alert in 2012, when an outbreak at Yosemite National Park in California resulted in nine infections and three fatalities. Current efforts focus on disinfecting the MV Hondius entirely to prevent further transmission before passengers can safely return to their home countries.

Questions now hover around clinical safety and the cruise industry and whether enough checks are being carried out by international authorities.