Three individuals aboard a cruise ship that was stranded off Cape Verde due to a virus outbreak have been successfully evacuated for medical treatment. Among the passengers, three have tragically passed away, one of whom tested positive for hantavirus, a disease transmitted by rats. It is suspected that a couple who recently traveled from Argentina may have introduced the virus on board. The total number of cases linked to the MV Hondius stands at eight, including two British citizens.
One patient, confirmed to have the virus, is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa, while the other affected individual is a crew member, identified as the ship’s expedition guide, a 56-year-old former police officer. The crew member fell ill while assisting passengers and was one of the three evacuated from the ship for airlifting back to the Netherlands.
Swiss authorities reported a case of hantavirus in a passenger who disembarked from the cruise ship and sought medical attention in Zurich after receiving an alert from the ship. The World Health Organization (WHO) director, Tedros Ghebreyesus, informed that the evacuated individuals are en route to the Netherlands for treatment.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, disclosed that two infectious disease specialists from the Netherlands will remain on the ship as it departs Cape Verde. They will stay with the passengers until the three individuals requiring evacuation are safely transferred to the aircraft. The cruise operator emphasized its continuous response to the medical situation on board the MV Hondius.
The statement also revealed the presence of an additional medical practitioner on board and outlined plans for the ship to embark on a three-day journey to the Canary Islands. Discussions are ongoing with authorities regarding the arrival procedures, quarantine measures, and screening protocols for all passengers.
The fate of the cruise ship upon reaching the Canary Islands remains uncertain, with conflicting stances from Spanish authorities. While Spain acknowledges a humanitarian obligation to allow the vessel to dock, regional leader Fernando Clavijo, a member of the conservative People’s Party, opposes the entry and has requested urgent discussions with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Originally bound for Cape Verde, the MV Hondius was denied entry on Monday, prompting the Spanish health ministry to coordinate efforts with the WHO and the European Union for the ship’s acceptance in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. The Canary Islands are being considered as the nearest suitable location for medical assessment, treatment, and repatriation of crew and passengers to their respective countries in collaboration with health organizations.
Stringent safety measures are planned during the disembarkation process, ensuring medical care and transportation in specialized facilities to prevent contact with the local population and safeguard the health of all involved.
