The international health emergency aboard the MV Hondius has taken a new turn, with three passengers now evacuated from the virus-hit cruise ship for specialist treatment in Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the individuals—nationals of Britain, Germany and the Netherlands—have been removed from the vessel and are being transferred to specialised hospitals, with the Dutch government indicating that two are ill while a third is a suspected case. Reports in Germany suggest the German passenger is being taken to Düsseldorf for testing, with no symptoms currently reported.
The latest development comes as authorities confirmed that the outbreak on board involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare variant that has previously been linked to human-to-human transmission. The virus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents, including exposure to their urine, droppings or saliva, but this particular strain—found in South America—has raised additional concern due to its transmission potential.
So far, eight cases of hantavirus have been identified among passengers and crew, with three confirmed through laboratory testing. The outbreak has already resulted in the deaths of three passengers, a Dutch couple and a German national, after the ship departed from Argentina on what had been marketed as a luxury Antarctic expedition.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the overall public health risk remains low at this stage.
Around 150 people from 23 countries remain on board the vessel, including two Irish passengers, who continue to live under strict isolation measures. The ship has been anchored off Praia, Cape Verde, after being denied permission to dock, leaving those on board effectively stranded as international authorities work to manage the situation.
Passengers have been confined to their cabins while disinfection and containment efforts continue. Earlier accounts from those on board described a tense but controlled environment, with many trying to maintain routine despite the uncertainty.
@skynews The MV Hondius is off Cape Verde after requesting help from local authorities, but no one has been allowed to disembark. Three passengers have died and several others are ill, with plans underway for medical evacuations #hondius #cruiseship ♬ original sound - Sky News
“Our days have been close to normal, just waiting for authorities to find a solution,” said one passenger previously, while others have spoken of the emotional strain of the situation.
The evacuation of the three passengers marks the most significant intervention so far, particularly for those requiring urgent medical care. Images from the scene have shown crew in protective gear coordinating transfers via specialised transport, underlining the level of caution being taken.
The Spanish government had proposed allowing the ship to dock in either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, where passengers could be medically assessed, treated and repatriated. However, the plan has been firmly rejected by Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, who said the move lacked sufficient guarantees around public safety.
“This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety,” he said, adding bluntly: “I cannot allow it to enter the Canary Islands.”
Clavijo had now requested an urgent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighting growing political tensions between the regional administration and the central government over how to handle the crisis.
Despite the opposition, Spain’s health ministry has argued the country has a responsibility to intervene after Cape Verde refused to allow the ship to dock, leaving those on board effectively stranded. Officials said the decision to bring the ship to the Canary Islands was made following requests from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union, stressing both humanitarian and legal obligations.
According to the ministry, the Canary Islands are the nearest location with the infrastructure needed to safely handle the situation. Plans had included strict containment measures, with passengers and crew to be transported in controlled conditions to avoid any contact with the local population, while healthcare workers would operate under enhanced safety protocols.
One passenger has highlighted the emotional toll of the uncertainty. “There’s a lot of uncertainty and that is the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home,” said American travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin.
@abcnewsaus US travel blogger Jake Rosmarin has shared a tearful post on social media from on board a cruise ship on which 3 people have died after a suspected outbreak of rodent-borne hantavirus. Cape Verde health authorities have banned the luxury cruise ship from docking at the port of Praia and about 150 people are stuck on the boat. The National Directorate of Health of the Atlantic Ocean archipelago nation says all necessary safeguards are being put in place, including preparations for possible medical evacuations by air ambulance. It says the situation is under control and there's currently no risk to the population on land. The cruise ship company, Oceanwide Expeditions, says two staff members need urgent medical care as the World Health Organization steps in. Reporting via AP/Reuters. #Hantavirus #Cruise #Ship #CapeVerde #ABCNews ♬ original sound - ABC News Australia
Belgian passenger Helene Goessaert said those on board are receiving regular updates, describing the situation as “a waiting game”, while noting that the recent delivery of fresh food supplies had been an important boost to morale.
The outbreak has cast a shadow over what was marketed as a high-end Antarctic expedition, with ticket prices ranging from $16,000 to $25,000.
Now, instead of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, passengers find themselves at the centre of an unfolding international health crisis, with governments, health agencies and families anxiously awaiting a resolution.
